Fans were left disappointed after the band walked off stage three songs into their set at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in St Louis on Friday (July 23).

Initial reports cited “safety concerns”, but it later emerged that bassist Jared Followill had been hit by pigeon droppings.

In a statement, the band’s publicist said: "Jared was hit several times during the first two songs.

"It's not only disgusting - it's a toxic health hazard. They really tried to hang in there.”

The bassist added: "I was hit by pigeons on each of the first three songs. We had 20 songs on the set list. By the end of the show, I would have been covered from head to toe."

Opening bands The Postelles and The Stills were also been hit, but continued until their sets concluded.

(by Jason Gregory)