In a dazzling display of hometown pride, The Killers’ Brandon Flowers appeared before a sold-out crowd in Las Vegas with a silver pendant in the shape of his hometown adorning his chest. The symbolic gesture underscored Flowers’ deep connection to his roots, which he openly shared with the crowd.
“Like many who venture out here, I took a chance,” Flowers admitted, reflecting on his journey from Nephi, Utah, to the bustling city of Las Vegas. “I took a gamble on three key figures,” he continued, nodding toward his bandmates who joined him on a stage lit by twinkling lights and glittering suits.
Celebrating two decades since the release of “Hot Fuss,” Flowers welcomed the audience to “fabulous Las Vegas,” underscoring the enduring success of their debut album. This seminal work, with tracks infused with New Wave influences, was initially crafted in the modest confines of guitarist Dave Keuning’s apartment. It was there that the iconic “Mr. Brightside” riff was born, marking the beginning of their collaborative songwriting.
Now recognized as a rock anthem, “Mr. Brightside” stands out as the first song by a band from the 2000s to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, symbolizing The Killers’ rise to international fame. Despite its usual spot as a closing number, “Brightside” had a special place on the setlist at their final show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, where the band performed the entirety of “Hot Fuss.”
The event not only revisited the album, but also served as a touching farewell to bassist Mark Stoermer, who has only made occasional appearances since retiring in 2016. Flowers recalled Stoermer’s cautious decision to join The Killers, highlighting the thoughtful deliberation that characterizes successful team dynamics.
Later in the set, Flowers introduced “Everything Will Be Alright,” a haunting ballad written for his wife, reflecting her difficult upbringing. This rare performance marked only the second live performance of the song since 2005, adding an intimate touch to the evening.
Flowers also addressed evolving interpretations of their music, most notably with “Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll,” a song that both criticized and celebrated the indie music scene they once felt alienated from. “It took me 20 years to embrace that perspective,” Flowers shared, noting the fluid nature of artistic meaning.
The concert was a spectacle of Las Vegas grandeur, complete with tributes to iconic figures like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, infusing the evening with a sense of historical reverence. The band’s performance was both a retrospective journey through ‘Hot Fuss’ and a forward-looking exploration of their musical evolution.
As the night drew to a close, The Killers dove into more fan favorites and debuted “Bright Lights,” a new track celebrating their enduring connection to Las Vegas. Flowers’ parting words chimed with the night’s theme: “Turn the lights on, ‘cause I ain’t forgotten where I come from.”
