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'Talihina Sky: The Story Of Kings Of Leon' Review

MTV.co.uk went down to an exclusive screening to find out more...

If the Kings Of Leon are going to hell, they’ll be able to tell the devil they starred in rock and roll’s ultimate rags to riches story.
Their superb documentary Talihina Sky – in cinemas for one night only on Saturday 25th June – charts the band’s strict religious upbringing and unbelievable transformation into multi-platinum, stadium-filling superstars.


An incredible journey deserved a fantastic film and Stephen C. Mitchell, a friend of the Followills since KoL formed, doesn’t disappoint on his directorial debut.
It begins with brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared plus their cousin Matthew, returning home to Talihina for their annual family reunion in America’s deep south.
We soon meet several colourful characters, including Grandpa Leon – who the band named themselves after – and late Uncle Cleo who fondly remembers catching snakes with the boys before they were old enough to grow beards.
Frontman Caleb is brutally honest throughout, especially about the difficulties his family faced by putting faith before dollars, stating: “Being poor wasn't fun, it's embarrassing. It's something you always strive to get out of. We were hungry and at one point there was three in a bed. Me and Nate had two pairs of pants. Mum would wash a pair every night and we'd wear the other pair the next day.”
Caleb’s drinking problem is also captured on film, with drummer Nathan yelling at him: “Your band cannot stand you!” during a venomous verbal brawl on their tour bus.
Home movies, childhood photos and frank interviews are used terrifically to explore their roots and what inspired them to turn their backs on religion. It’s fascinating and absolutely unmissable for fans.
Talihina Sky will be beamed to over 150 cinemas nationwide this Saturday – the biggest one night only satellite screening event ever seen in the UK – and it’s followed by a live Q&A with the band from the Edinburgh Film Festival.
Find your nearest showing here!

By Ben Lowe

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