The Killers are an American rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2001. It consists of Brandon Flowers (vocals, keyboards), Dave Koening (guitar, backing vocals), Mark Störmer (bass guitar, backing vocals). As well as Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drums, percussion).
Initially, The Killers played in large clubs in Las Vegas. With a stable line-up and an expanding repertoire of songs, the group began to attract the attention of talented professionals. As well as local agents, major label, scouts and the UK representative at Warner Bros.
Although a representative of Warner Bros did not sign a contract with the group. However, he took the demo with him. And showed it to a friend who worked for the British (London) indie label Lizard King Records (now Marrakesh Records). The team signed an agreement with a British label in the summer of 2002.
Success of The Killers from the first albums
The band released their debut album Hot Fuss in June 2004 in the UK and USA (Island Records). The musicians' first single was Somebody Told Me. The group was also successful on the charts thanks to the singles Mr. Brightside and All This Things That Done, which made the top 10 in the UK.
The band recorded their second album Sam's Town on February 15, 2006 at The Palms Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas. It was released in October 2006. Vocalist Brandon Flowers said that "Sam's Town is one of the best albums of the last 20 years".
The album received a mixed response from critics and "fans". But it still remains popular and has sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
The first single When You Were Young debuted on radio stations at the end of July 2006. Director Tim Burton directed the video for the second single from Bones. The third single was Read My Mind. The video was filmed in Tokyo, Japan. The latest was For Reasons Unknown, released in June 2007.
The album sold over 700 copies in its first week of release. It debuted at number 2 on the United World chart.
Brandon Flowers announced on August 22, 2007 in Belfast (Northern Ireland) at the T-Vital festival that this would be the last time the Sam's Town album would be played in Europe. The Killers performed their last Sam's Town concert in Melbourne in November 2007.
From what it all began?
Much of The Killers' music is based on 1980s music, especially new wave. Flowers also said in an interview that many of the band's compositions sound more effective due to the impact on life in Las Vegas.
They appreciated the post-punk bands that emerged in the 1980s, such as Joy Division. They are also acknowledged "fans" of New Order (with whom Flowers performed live), the Pet Shop Boys. And also Dire Straits, David Bowie, The Smiths, Morrissey, Depeche Mode, U2, Queen, Oasis and The Beatles. Their second album was said to be heavily influenced by the music and lyrics of Bruce Springsteen.
On November 12, 2007, the compilation album Sawdust was released, containing b-sides, rarities and new material. The album's first single Tranquilize, in collaboration with Lou Reed, was released in October 2007. A cover art for Shadowplay by Joy Division was also released on the US iTunes Store.
The album contained the songs: Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town (The First Edition cover). Also Romeo and Juliet (Dire Straits) and a new version of Move Away (Spider-Man 3 soundtrack). One of the tracks on Sawdust was Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf. This is the first but previously unreleased part of the "Murder Trilogy". It was followed by Midnight Show, Jenny Was a My Friend.
Influence of The Killers
The Cowboys' Christmas Ball Songfacts reported that The Killers were recognized for their work in the Bono Product Red campaign to fight AIDS in Africa. In 2006, the musicians released the first Christmas video A Great Big Sled to support charity. And on December 1, 2007, the song Don't Shoot Me Santa was released.
Their festive melodies subsequently became annual. And The Cowboy's Christmas Ball was released as their sixth consecutive release. It was intended to raise funds for the Product Red campaign on December 1, 2011.
Third Day & Age album
Day & Age is the title of the third studio album by The Killers. The title was confirmed in an NME video interview at the Reading and Leeds festival with vocalist Brandon Flowers.
The Killers have been working with Paul Normansel on a new album that includes Normansel's work.
Flowers also stated in an interview with Q magazine that he wants to play a new Tidal Wave song. He was very impressed with the songs Drive-In Saturday (David Bowie) and I Drove All Night (Roy Orbison).
On July 29 and August 1, 2008, two songs were presented at the New York Highline Ballroom, Borgata Hotel and Spa: Spaceman and Neon Tiger. They were included in the Day & Age album.
While on tour in 2008, the band confirmed several song titles for the Day & Age album. Including: Goodnight, Travel Well, Vibration, Joy Ride, I Can't Stay, Losing Touch. Also Fairytale Dustland and Human, except for Vibration, which was recorded outside of the album.
The third studio album, The Killers Day & Age, was released on November 25, 2008 (November 24 in the UK). The album's first single Human debuted on September 22 and September 30.
Fourth album Battle Born
The fourth studio album, Battle Born, was released on September 18, 2012. The band began recording it after a short break from touring. The album had five producers and The Killers produced only one song, The Rising Tide. The debut single was Runaways. It was followed by: Miss Atomic Bomb, Here with Me, and The Way it Was.
On September 1, 2013, the group tweeted a picture that contained six lines of Morse code. The code has been translated as The Killers Shot at the Night. On September 16, 2013, the band released the single Shot at the Night. It was produced by Anthony Gonzalez.
It was also announced that the musicians would release their first greatest hits compilation, Direct Hits. It was released on November 11, 2013. The album includes songs from four studio albums: Shot at the Night, Just Another Girl.
Fifth album Wonderful Wonderful
Five years after the Battle Born album, the band released their fifth studio album, Wonderful Wonderful (2017). The album received generally positive reviews from music critics. Aggregator website Metacritic awarded the album a score of 71 based on 25 reviews.
Wonderful Wonderful is the highest rated studio album. This is also the band's first compilation to top the Billboard 200. Now the band also continues to delight listeners with new hits and tours. He also performs at various music festivals.
The Killers today
2020 has started off with good news for fans of The Killers. This year the presentation of the sixth studio album Imploding the Mirage took place.
The compilation was topped by 10 tracks. Four songs out of ten were previously released as singles. The recording of the collection was attended by: Lindsey Buckingham, Adam Granduciel and Wise Blood.
The Killers in 2021
The Killers and Bruce Springsteen in the middle of the first summer month of 2021 pleased music lovers with the release of the track Dustland. Flowers never hid his respect for Springsteen. He always wanted to collaborate with an artist. In addition, the band's vocalist said that the music of Bruce's team inspired him to create songs all the way.
