Oxegen Claim Kings of Leon

Award winning Irish festival Oxegen has named the first band on its bill for 2009 with Kings Of Leon set to headline the festival.

What a difference a year makes. In 2008 Kings Of Leon played a stunning set at Ireland's Oxegen festival, topping polls taken by festival goers to find their favourite act of the event.

Surprised by their welcome, singer Caleb Followill said from the stage "it is a dream to play gigs like this. We consider ourselves a small band but you have made us feel so big."

Fast forward just one year and Kings Of Leon are everywhere. Their album 'Only By The Night' may well be their best to date, finally breaking the band in their American homeland. Lead single 'Sex On Fire' is a modern anthem, piping its way out of every car window, every shop and every football stadium in Britain.

The first group to be named for Oxegen, Kings Of Leon will no doubt be joined by some stunning acts.

Oxegen takes place at Punchestown Racecourse, Naas, Co Kildare from July 10th - 12th.