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

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.