Kings of Leon: We were cocky

Kings of Leon used to be "cocky".

The band were well known for their hard partying ways before they took a break from music in 2011.

Lead singer Caleb Followill stormed off stage in search of another beer at a gig in Dallas, which put the brakes on the band for a few years.

"When you're young and cocky, older bands tell you, 'Take it easy so you can have longevity.' We were like, 'You're just jealous of our work ethic and because we can tour so long and party so hard.' Eventually we realised we should take stock," said drummer Nathan Followill to British newspaper The Metro.

"We were tired and we'd keep working. Finally your body says 'You're done'. It's great for your health and your brain to stop being in a rock 'n' roll band for five minutes," added Caleb.

The band have now cut down on their drinking and partying ways, focusing more on making music.

They also credit starting families with changing their attitude, and confess they draw on their old lives when writing hit songs.

"Our songs have drawn from a lot of the things that have happened, from when we were young and really poor to having this crazy posh lifestyle," Caleb explained.

Made up of three brothers, Caleb, Nathan and Jared and their cousin Matt, the band naturally have a tight bond.

And because of their family ties, no one in the group has any ego issues.

"We're out there with our brothers and our cousin; it's us versus the world," Caleb said.

"It was like us against each other, against the world. But there was never any competition; even with the girls when we were single, because I would always win," joked youngest brother Jared.