Kings of Leon's Rock Star Image Suffers After Latest Cancellation

What is the true definition of a rock star? Technically, it simply means a famous singer of rock music, according to Dictionary.com. However, fans of the genre likely have their own definitions, one of which would probably not include "a band that regularly cancels concerts for ridiculous reasons." In which case, band Kings of Leon better shape up if they want to maintain their rock star status.

The Hollywood Reporter recently covered the unexpected exit of lead singer Caleb Followill in the middle of a concert at Dallas' Gexa Energy Pavilion Friday night. Caleb complained about his voice, saying it was "completely 100 percent wrong," then excused himself from the stage, saying,

"I'm gonna go backstage for a second. I'm gonna vomit. I'm gonna drink some beer ... and for the record, I'm not drunk ... I'm about to fall down here because I'm so g--damn hot. ... I'm gonna come back out here and I'm gonna play three more songs."

The vocalist never returned to the stage. The temperature was simmering in the 90s, not unusual fare for Dallas. YourConroeNews.com later reported that Followill was suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration, which caused his vocal chords to seize. Younger brother and bandmate Jared Followill later took to Twitter to apologize, saying,

"I love our fans so much. I know you guys aren't stupid. I can't lie. There are problems in our band bigger than not drinking enough Gatorade."

This isn't the first cancellation Kings of Leon have put fans through. Last July, they cut their show in St. Louis mid-set due to a group of unruly ... pigeons. Though their opening acts, the Postelles and the Stills, were also showered with pigeon poop flying from the rafters, the band couldn't handle it, according to New Music Express.

That following December, the group canceled a sold-out show in London's O2 arena after two of the band's tour buses caught fire. The fires were quickly extinguished and six individuals were treated for smoke inhalation. The official reason for the cancellation was that there was no time to set up the arena for the performance, reports New York Magazine.

This February, Kings of Leon postponed their international tour after their drummer tore his right bicep while working out. Despite the injury, the band still played the Coachella Music Festival two months later, as well as other summer European dates before the percussionist's surgery.

Following the pigeon incident, fans were none too kind. Fan Rgusto wrote on NME.com, "What the f--- happened to real rock stars? The f---in' Sex Pistols would played extra long in these conditions just because!"

One could call critics a bit harsh. However, it isn't too out there to say that fans of rock have higher expectations of their musicians. Kings of Leon follows a long list of stellar rock acts that includes the Rolling Stones, Nirvana and the Grateful Dead, just to name a few. At any rate, any problems the band does have should be swiftly attended to before their fan base drifts away.

Rock Star Definition, Dictionary.com

Kings of Leon Concert Cut Short After Lead Singer's Abrupt Exit, The Hollywood Reporter

Kings of Leon Concert Postponed at Pavilion Tonight, Reset for Sept. 22, YourConroeNews.com

Fans Split on Kings of Leon's 'Pigeon Shit' Gig Walk Out, NME.com

Marianne Garvey, Did Kings of Leon Just Suffer the Wrath of Glee?, E!Online

Amos Barshad, Kings of Leon Continue to Cancel Shows in a Manner Not Befitting Their Rock-Star Swag, The Vulture