Caleb Followill, the lead singer of Kings of Leon, made an inspiring return to the stage after months of recovery following a “freak accident” that left him with a shattered heel.
The 43-year-old rocker took the stage alongside Zach Bryan and Bruce Springsteen at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, from July 18 to July 20, marking his first performances back after the injury.
A Triumphant Return to Performing
Followill’s return to the stage was a significant moment, as it came just months after he was forced to cancel a series of shows due to the injury. On May 28, he shared a video on Instagram, revealing that he had shattered his heel while playing with his kids.
The accident forced the band to cancel several Kings of Leon shows, including their planned European tour, which was scheduled to begin in June.
In his video, Followill explained the seriousness of the injury, stating that he had undergone emergency surgery with the help of doctors in Nashville. Despite the setback, he remained optimistic, sharing that he was on the mend but would need to refrain from being on his feet or traveling for around eight weeks.
A Special Performance of “Atlantic City” with Zach Bryan and Bruce Springsteen
During the July 20 show at MetLife Stadium, Bryan invited Followill to join him on stage for a special performance of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 hit “Atlantic City.” Bryan introduced Followill as the “sweetest man I’ve ever met,” according to a fan video.
He then welcomed Bruce Springsteen, a New Jersey native and legendary rock icon, to join the performance, prompting an eruption of cheers from the crowd. Fans chanted “BRUCE” as the two musicians embraced Bryan, creating a magical moment for everyone in the stadium.
The Road to Recovery and Kings of Leon’s Future Plans
Although Followill is still recovering, his return to performing marked a triumphant moment for both him and the band.
After the canceled European shows, Kings of Leon are now set to perform at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco in August before heading to Europe for shows in the UK, Norway, and France into early September. The band is expected to return to North America in late September.
In addition to their upcoming tour dates, Kings of Leon also released their ninth studio album, Can We Please Have Fun, in 2024, which is now available for streaming.
Caleb Followill’s recovery and return to the stage are a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft. Despite the setback from his injury, he’s back doing what he loves, alongside Zach Bryan and the iconic Bruce Springsteen, delivering an unforgettable performance that fans won’t soon forget.
