Kings of Leon and Phantogram light up the desert night and bring rock and electro-magic to Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms.
Acrisure Arena, one of Southern California’s newest and most beautiful multipurpose venues in Thousand Palms, bore witness to a thrilling fusion of rock and electronic soundscapes as Kings of Leon and Phantogram took to the stage. The high-tech arena, filled to capacity, buzzed with anticipation, and the evening did not disappoint, offering an experience that showcased both bands at their finest.
Phantogram, the electro-rock duo of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, opened the night with a set that quickly drew the crowd into their atmospheric world. From the moment they launched into “Black Out Days,” it was clear that this was a band fully in control of their sound and their audience. Barthel’s ethereal voice, complemented by Carter’s intricate guitar work, created a mesmerizing blend of dreamlike vocals and pulsing beats. Their performance was a sonic journey, moving seamlessly between tracks like “Fall in Love” and “Mouthful of Diamonds,” each song a carefully crafted piece of the duo’s electronic tapestry.
One of the standout moments came with their performance of “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore.” The song, a mix of haunting lyrics and a relentless rhythm, brought an intensity to the arena that was palpable. Barthel’s command of the stage, combined with the swirling lights and visual effects, elevated the track to new heights. Phantogram’s ability to blend the organic with the synthetic, the personal with the universal, resonated deeply with the audience, setting the tone for what was to come.
After Phantogram’s set, the atmosphere in the arena shifted, becoming charged with the anticipation of Kings of Leon’s arrival. As the lights dimmed, the arena erupted in applause and cheers, welcoming the Nashville rockers to the stage. The band, known for their blend of Southern rock and alternative anthems, wasted no time in making their presence felt, opening with the “Ballerina Radio.”
Kings of Leon delivered a set that spanned their extensive catalog, from early hits like “Molly’s Chambers” to newer tracks off their latest album, Can We Please Have Fun. The Followill brothers—Caleb, Nathan, and Jared—along with their cousin Matthew, performed with a tightness and cohesion that can only come from years of playing together. Caleb Followill’s gritty vocals, underscored by Nathan’s thunderous drumming and Jared’s driving bass lines, filled every corner of the arena.
“Use Somebody,” a song that has become synonymous with Kings of Leon, was a highlight of the night. The crowd sang along, their voices joining Caleb’s in a chorus that echoed throughout the arena. This was a moment of pure connection between the band and their fans, a reminder of why Kings of Leon remains one of the most enduring acts in rock today.
Other standout moments of the evening were “Sex on Fire” and “Crawl,” songs that, despite being released over a decade ago, still ignite the same fervor as they did when they first hit the airwaves. The band’s performance was electric, each note charged with a raw energy that rippled through the crowd. As the final chords rang out, the arena exploded in applause, a testament to the band’s lasting appeal.
The evening came to a close with an encore that included the reflective “Use Somebody,” bringing the night full circle with its moody, introspective tones. As the final notes faded, the audience was left with the lingering echoes of a night that showcased two bands at the top of their game, each offering their own unique contribution to a memorable evening of music at Acrisure Arena.
