Kings cancel after pigeons 'use somebody' as toilet

Kings of Leon bassist Jared Followill wasn't grinning when pigeon droppings rained down on him during a concert. Photo / Richard Robinson

Chants of "refund, refund" were heard throughout an arena in the United States yesterday after chart-topping band Kings of Leon cut their concert short after playing three songs.

An official statement from the band's publicist said health concerns forced the early exit after a shower of excrement from pigeons living in the rafters of the Verizon Ampitheatre in St Louis, Missouri.

Opening acts The Postelles and The Stills completed their sets before walking offstage and complaining about the birds.

"Kings of Leon decided to carry on regardless," said Vector Management's Andy Mendelsohn.

"The band felt it would be unfair to the fans to cancel the show at that late moment."

Jared Followill, the bassist and pianist for the band whose hits include Sex on Fire and Use Somebody, was defecated on several times during Kings of Leon's time on stage.

The final straw came when pigeon excrement landed on Followill's cheek and seeped into his mouth during a performance of Taper Jean Girl. The band, who had been warned about the infestation much earlier in the day, finished the song and walked off the stage.

"We couldn't believe what The Postelles and The Stills looked like after their sets," said Followill. "We didn't want to cancel the show, so we went for it. We tried to play. It was ridiculous."

"It's not only disgusting, it's a toxic health hazard. They really tried to hang in there," said Mendelsohn.

Fans reacted angrily to the band's departure, first chanting "bullshit" and then "refund" as it became apparent that it was not a hoax. Promoter Livenation said tickets would be refunded.

Kings of Leon are expected to play in Chicago today.

- NZHERALD STAFF