IF you were judging the band’s reaction to the 55,000-strong crowd, you’d say it must be the first major gig they’ve ever played.

If you were judging their performance, you’d think The Kings of Leon had been playing stadiums for as long as the Rolling Stones.

Despite their standing as one of the world’s biggest bands, Caleb, Nathan, Jared and Matthew Followill were blown away as their adoring fans sang their every lyric straight back at them.

They played tight, and with a passion that you would expect from a band who were striving for success – not one that’s already at the top of the pile.

They thanked the crowd five times for coming out and “spending your hard-earned cash on a ticket”, and earned every pound with their highoctane, thumping set which eventually resulted in them being escorted from the stage as they sought to play on into the night.

The dazzling fireworks display at the end of final song, Black Thumbnail, was the perfect way to cap off the spectacular performance as each song from the opening Four Kicks was a show stopper.

They are a band who do everything right. From jumping, anthemic stompers to slow melancholic numbers, it’s little wonder their fan demographic at the gig ranged from 16 to 50.

The venue was good, but it’s always annoying when you are greeted with a drinks menu that sees already expensive match day prices crossed out and increased.

This in itself would not be so bad if the drinks you were paying the best part of £5 each for weren’t warm and flat.

Venues ripping you off once you’re inside and left with no other option is a pet hate of mine and, in my judgement, resulted in a bit of the crowd trouble that could be clearly seen.

People may not have smuggled in strong spirits and therefore been less drunk and rowdy if the prices at the bar had been a little less painful.

In all, it was a fantastic night and the venue was great. I always think it’s important to feel that a band want to be there and want to be performing.

By the looks of it, The Kings of Leon enjoyed the gig as much as anyone.

The Stadium of Light is fast gaining a reputation for bringing some of the biggest names in the world to our region.

I for one can’t wait for the announcement of next year’s summer line-up. I’m sure it will be bigger and better then ever.