Kings of Leon 'are hated in Nashville'

Kings of Leon claim that despite their fame they are hated in their home city of Nashville, Tennessee.

The band told The Sun that they are one of the first non-country acts from the state capital to become famous.

Bass player Jared Followill said: "Everyone recognises us, but they just hate us. The local papers always put a question mark after Nashville when they're writing about us. Like we're not really from there.

"But now we're so unpopular at home, it is becoming cool to like us. It's gone full circle."

Drummer Nathan Followill added: "When we say something in the UK, the Nashville press repeat it and take all the jokes and sarcasm out."

He compared the band's humour to that of Ricky Gervais, and said that some people do not understand it.

The band have been confirmed as the headliners of the Oxegen festival in Ireland for the second successive year, and will also top the bill of Spanish festival Benicassim.