Bowery
by Zach Bryan (featuring Kings of Leon)

Album: released as a single (2025)
Charted: 81
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Bowery" pairs Zach Bryan's intimate, heartfelt folk storytelling with Kings of Leon's arena-ready rock swagger. Bryan opens with a verse and chorus before handing off to Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill for the next verse. Both artists join forces in a rousing, cathartic finish.
  • "Bowery" is about two restless spirits: passionate, fiercely guarded, and perpetually teetering between connection and retreat. They met in a bar in Manhattan's Bowery neighborhood, a gritty hub of nightlife and artistic mayhem. Throughout the late 20th century, its low rents and edgy character made The Bowery a magnet for artists and musicians. It was a key location for the punk rock movement, with the legendary club CBGB serving as a nexus for bands like The Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads. This history solidified its image as a place where rebellion, artistry and charged encounters played out.
  • The collaboration came naturally. Kings of Leon had been Bryan's opening act on several MetLife Stadium shows in July 2025, including a memorable joint appearance with Bruce Springsteen. KoL again opened for Bryan at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on August 15, 2025. Bryan called their collaboration on this song "the honor of my life."
  • Released on August 8, 2025 via Bryan's own Belting Bronco Records, the song was co-produced by Bryan and written by both parties.
  • The music video keeps things intimate, showing Bryan and the Followills recording together in the studio, capturing the collaborative energy.
  • "Bowery" debuted at #81 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Kings of Leon's first chart appearance in 15 years, the last being "The End," which peaked at #82 in 2010.
  • Zach Bryan debuted "Bowery" live with Caleb Followill at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on August 10, 2025.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.