0
0
The Killers are an indie-rock band that started in Las Vegas in 2001 by Brandon Flowers (lead vocals, keyboards, bass) and Dave Keuning (lead guitar, backing vocals). The current, official lineup of the band (as of 2020) consists of Flowers, Mark Stoermer (bass, rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drums, percussion) – the latter two have both joined The Killers in 20021 The band’s name is derived from a logo on the bass drum of a fictitious band portrayed in the music video for the New Order song “Crystal”1 The band has released six consecutive chart-topping studio albums: Hot Fuss (2004), Sam’s Town (2006), Day & Age (2008), Battle Born (2012), Wonderful Wonderful (2017), and Imploding the Mirage (2020). They have also released a B-sides and rarities compilation, Sawdust (2007); a live album, Live from the Royal Albert Hall (2009); a greatest-hits album, Direct Hits (2013); and a Christmas compilation, Don’t Waste Your Wishes (2016).
Origins and Early Career
The Killers began when Brandon Flowers, a singer and songwriter, was fired by his first band, a synth-pop trio known as Blush Response2 After attending an Oasis concert at the Hard Rock Hotel during The Tour of Brotherly Love, Flowers realized his calling was to be in a rock band and began searching for like-minded musicians2 He eventually came across an ad posted in a Las Vegas newspaper by Dave Keuning, a 25-year-old guitarist who had moved to Vegas from Iowa a year earlier. When the pair met, they bonded over similar musical influences and immediately began writing songs together in Keuning’s apartment. They named their band the Killers as that was the name of a fictional band in the music video for the New Order song “Crystal”1
The duo recorded a demo tape and began looking for a bassist and a drummer. They recruited Mark Stoermer, a former medical courier, and Ronnie Vannucci Jr., a classical percussion student at UNLV, who both responded to their online ads1 The band played their first live show at an open mic night at the Cafe Espresso Roma in Las Vegas in 20021 They soon attracted the attention of a British representative for Warner Bros. Records, who offered them a deal, but the band declined, preferring to sign with a UK-based indie label1
The band signed with Lizard King Records in 2003, and released their first single, “Mr. Brightside”, in the UK. The song was an instant hit, reaching number 10 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of the most played songs on British radio1 The band also gained exposure through touring with British bands like The Strokes, British Sea Power, and The Libertines1 They released their second single, “Somebody Told Me”, in 2004, which reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and became their first US hit, peaking at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 1001
The band released their debut album, Hot Fuss, in June 2004, which topped the UK Albums Chart and reached number 7 on the US Billboard 2001 The album featured the singles “All These Things That I’ve Done” and “Smile Like You Mean It”, as well as a re-release of “Mr. Brightside”. The album was a critical and commercial success, selling over seven million copies worldwide and receiving five Grammy nominations1 The album showcased the band’s distinctive style of indie-rock, influenced by new wave, post-punk, and glam rock. The album also received praise for its lyrical themes, which explored romance, jealousy, betrayal, and murder.
Subsequent Albums and Success
The Killers followed up their debut album with Sam’s Town in 2006, which reached number 2 on both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 2001 The album featured the singles “When You Were Young”, “Bones”, “Read My Mind”, and “For Reasons Unknown”. The album was more influenced by heartland rock, Americana, and Bruce Springsteen, and reflected the band’s experiences of touring and living in America. The album was less well received by critics, who felt that the band had abandoned their original sound and identity, but was still a commercial success, selling over four million copies worldwide and receiving two Grammy nominations1
In 2008, the band released their third album, Day & Age, which reached number 1 on both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 2001 The album featured the singles “Human”, “Spaceman”, “The World We Live In”, and “A Dustland Fairytale”. The album was more eclectic and experimental, incorporating elements of dance-pop, synth-pop, and world music. The album was more positively received by critics, who praised the band’s diversity and creativity, and was another commercial success, selling over three million copies worldwide and receiving three Grammy nominations1
The band took a hiatus in 2010, during which the members pursued solo projects and collaborations. Flowers released his first solo album, Flamingo, which reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and number 8 on the US Billboard 2001 Keuning and Stoermer formed a side project, Big Talk, which released a self-titled album in 20111 Vannucci released an EP, Excommunication, under the name Big Talk, in 20111
The band reunited in 2012, and released their fourth album, Battle Born, which reached number 1 on both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 2001 The album featured the singles “Runaways”, “Miss Atomic Bomb”, “Here with Me”, and “The Way It Was”. The album was more influenced by arena rock, power ballads, and country rock, and reflected the band’s personal struggles and triumphs. The album was well received by critics, who appreciated the band’s maturity and sincerity, and was another commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide1
The band released their fifth album, Wonderful Wonderful, in 2017, which reached number 1 on both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200, making them the first international act to have five consecutive number one albums in the UK1 The album featured the singles “The Man”, “Run for Cover”, “Rut”, and “The Calling”. The album was more influenced by alternative rock, funk, and gospel, and explored themes of masculinity, faith, and family. The album was critically acclaimed, with some reviewers calling it the band’s best work, and was another commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide1
The band released their sixth album, Imploding the Mirage, in 2020, which reached number 1 on both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200, making them the first international act to have six consecutive number one albums in the UK1 The album featured the singles “Caution”, “Fire in Bone”, “My Own Soul’s Warning”, and “Dying Breed”. The album was more influenced by pop-rock, new wave, and disco, and featured guest appearances from artists like Lindsey Buckingham, k.d. lang, Weyes Blood, and Adam Granduciel. The album was widely praised by critics, who lauded the band’s optimism and energy, and was another commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide1
Future Projects and Plans
The band is currently working on their seventh album, which is expected to be released in 2022. They have already released the lead single, “Pressure Machine”, which reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and number 26 on the US Billboard Hot 1001 They have also teased some of the other songs on the album, such as “In the Car Outside”, “West Hills”, and “Cody”. They have described the album as a “return to their roots”, with more rock and indie influences.
The band is also planning to resume their live shows, which were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They have announced dates for their UK and European tour, which will start in May 2022. They have also expressed interest in performing in other parts of the world, such as North America, Asia, and Australia. They have said that they miss the connection with their fans and the joy of music.
The Killers are one of the most exciting and original bands of their time. They have proven their ability to create and collaborate on diverse and memorable songs, while staying true to their vision and voice. They have also shown their generosity and passion, by supporting various causes and charities, such as War Child, Amnesty International, and the Teenage Cancer Trust. They are an indie-rock sensation with a heart of gold, and a Las Vegas legend with a soul of fire.
