Kings of Leon Set to Soar at Outside Lands, Sans Pigeons

After headlining Bonnaroo in Tennessee earlier this summer, the Kings of Leon now have their sights set on conquering the West Coast version of that festival -- Outside Lands. But while Bonnaroo was hometown territory for the Kings, Outside Lands takes place in San Francisco -- a city that drummer Nathan Followill (pictured) claims is near and dear to his heart... but 2,000 miles from his home.

"Headlining festivals in America is unchartered territory for us," Followill tells Spinner. "We've headlined quite a few in Europe as well as the U.K. but ... Bonnaroo was kind of like our homecoming this year. Hopefully Outside Lands can just keep the train rolling for us."

It's a train that had a minor setback in July when the band was, literally, pooped on from above. A pigeon problem in an amphitheater in St. Louis, where the band was headlining, forced them to make a quick exit just a few songs into their set. Now that the bizarre episode is behind them, Followill can join the rest of America in making jokes about it.

"We're actually working with a company for a pigeon repellant spray that we can use for future shows," said Followill, lightheartedly, at a recent press conference for Outside Lands. "Let's just say that s--- happens. In this case, literally. But, you know, we're happy to move forward and we've been having great shows since, so hopefully 'pigeon-gate' can officially be put to rest."

Perhaps the band of bothers took a note from Widespread Panic -- one of just a few groups who can boast that they've already headlined both Bonnaroo and Outside Lands. The night after the 'pigeon-gate' incident, Panic dedicated their song 'Pigeons' to their friends in Kings of Leon.

"I think us trying to be a real live Spinal Tap just got a little closer for us," Followill joked. "So I think in the end it's going to help us more than it hurt us." Of course, closing down the main stage at Outside Lands can't hurt either. Other artists performing this year include Furthur (feat. Phil Lesh and Bob Weir), the Strokes, My Morning Jacket, Phoenix, Social Distortion and Gogol Bordello. The festival takes place in Golden Gate Park beginning Saturday August 14. No pigeon problems are expected; just don't tell the Followills about the park's buffalo population.