The Killers

The Killers are an American rock band from Las Vegas, United States, active from 2001. The group forms around Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci Jr., and the wider member list also includes Dell Neal, Matt Norcross and Brian Havens.

Formation and name

The band takes its name from the fictional group seen in the video for New Order’s “Crystal”. In their early years, they play large clubs in Las Vegas and build a local following before attracting the attention of talent bookers, agents and label representatives. After an introduction to a London-based independent label, they sign in 2002 to Lizard King Records, which is later known as Marrakesh Records.

Albums and singles

Their debut album, Hot Fuss, is released on Island Records in 2004. Its first single is “Somebody Told Me”, and it also includes “Mr. Brightside” and “All These Things That I’ve Done”, both of which become major singles.

The second album, Sam’s Town, is recorded at The Palms Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas and released in 2006. Its singles include “When You Were Young”, “Bones”, “Read My Mind” and “For Reasons Unknown”. The album sells over 700,000 copies worldwide in its first week of release.

The compilation Sawdust appears in 2007 and collects B-sides, rarities and new material. It includes “Tranquilize”, a collaboration with Lou Reed, along with a cover of Joy Division’s “Shadowplay”, and versions of “Don’t Take Your Love to Town”, “Romeo and Juliet” and “Move Away”. It also contains “Leave the Bourbon On The Shelf”, the first part of the band’s Murder Trilogy, followed by “Midnight Show” and “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine”.

Day & Age is released in 2008, with “Human” as its lead single.

The band returns with Battle Born in 2012. Its lead single is “Runaways”, followed by “Miss Atomic Bomb” and “Here with Me”.

Wonderful Wonderful is released in 2017 and reaches number one on the Billboard 200.

The sixth studio album, Imploding the Mirage, is released in 2020. Its lead single, “Caution”, features a guitar solo by Lindsey Buckingham and reaches number one on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart. Dave Keuning does not take part in the recording of the album.

Style and influences

The Killers’ music draws strongly on British acts and on 1980s new wave. They are also influenced by post-punk groups such as Joy Division and are fans of New Order, Pet Shop Boys, Radiohead, David Bowie, The Smiths, Morrissey, Depeche Mode, U2, Queen, Muse and Linkin Park. The band’s second album is also described as being shaped by Bruce Springsteen’s music and lyrics. Brandon Flowers has said the band’s larger sound reflects life in Las Vegas.

Christmas releases and charity work

The band releases “A Great Big Sled” in 2006 as a Christmas-themed song and video in support of Product Red, the campaign linked to fighting AIDS in Africa. “Don’t Shoot Me Santa” follows in 2007, and the festive releases continue as an annual feature. The (Red) Christmas EP is issued in 2011 to raise money for the same campaign.

Overview

By 2021, The Killers have released six studio albums and sold 28 million records worldwide. Their listed genres include alternative rock, indie rock, new wave, pop rock, heartland rock and christmas music, and they are associated with Island Records.