(Artist Report)

Written by: Cody Denning   

Hello everyone and thank you for reading another Soundwave report. Today we are taking about The Killers. The rock band that is approaching legendary status. The band is an absolutely cornerstone of 21st-century rock and they have left an indelible mark on the global music scene with their anthemic hits, genre-defying sound, and electrifying live performances. Formed in Las Vegas in 2001, the band, comprising vocalist/keyboardist Brandon Flowers, drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr., guitarist Dave Keuning, and bassist Mark Stoermer, has sold over 28 million albums, garnered multiple Grammy nominations, and created timeless songs like “Mr. Brightside” and “When You Were Young.” But that is just skimming the surface of The Killers.

The Killers story is rooted in Las Vegas, a city of neon excess and desert solitude. In 2001, Brandon Flowers, a 20-year-old bank teller, attended an Oasis concert at the Hard Rock Hotel, an experience that ignited his ambition to form a band. Inspired by British new wave acts like The Smiths, New Order, and The Cure, as well as American icons like Bruce Springsteen, Flowers placed an ad in the Las Vegas Weekly seeking like-minded musicians.

Dave Keuning, an Iowa native who had relocated to Las Vegas in 2000, answered the call. Sharing a passion for British rock, Keuning invited Flowers to his apartment, where they jammed to Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back in Anger” and began writing what would become “Mr. Brightside.” Their creative synergy was immediate, with Flowers emotive vocals pairing seamlessly with Keuning’s melodic guitar work, things began to fall into place quickly.

The lineup solidified with the addition of bassist Mark Stoermer, a former medical courier with experience in local bands, and drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr., a UNLV music student working as a bellhop and photographer. The band was named after a fictional band in New Order’s “Crystal” video, The Killers rehearsed in Vannucci’s garage and played small venues like The Junkyard and The Boston. In 2002, a Warner Bros. representative discovered their demo, leading to a deal with UK-based Lizard King Records and, subsequently, Island Records in 2003. The band’s formation was a blend of serendipity, shared musical vision, and the unique cultural backdrop of Las Vegas.
What felt like success for the band would only be the beginning.

The Killers ascent began with their debut album, “Hot Fuss”, released on June 7, 2004 (UK) and June 15, 2004 (US). Recorded with producer Jeff Saltzman, the album fused post-punk energy with synth-pop hooks, riding the wave of the early 2000s indie rock revival alongside bands like The Strokes and Interpol. The lead single, “Mr. Brightside,” a raw, jealousy fueled track inspired by Flowers personal life, became a global phenomenon. Its infectious riff and soaring chorus peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and have remained on the UK Singles Chart for over 400 weeks, achieving 9x Platinum status in the US.
Remember that the next time someone tells you rock is dead…

“Hot Fuss” produced additional hits like “Somebody Told Me,” “All These Things That I’ve Done” (with its iconic “I got soul, but I’m not a soldier” line), and “Smile Like You Mean It.” The album’s polished production and Vegas infused glamour resonated widely, selling over 7 million copies and earning five Grammy nominations, including Best Rock Album. The band’s 2004 Glastonbury performance, despite technical hiccups, showcased their charisma and won over UK fans, cementing their transatlantic appeal.

Relentless touring over 300 shows in 2004–2005 and high profile appearances on “The O.C.”, “Saturday Night Live”, and the MTV Video Music Awards amplified their fame. These guys where everywhere, video game soundtracks, you name it.. By 2005, The Killers were global stars, with “Mr. Brightside” becoming a cultural staple at parties, sports events, and beyond. Flowers flamboyant stage presence and the band’s ability to craft universally relatable lyrics were key to their meteoric rise. The Killers career brought eight studio albums to life, a greatest hits collection, and a continuous evolution of their sound, from new-wave swagger to heartland rock, and they are not done yet..

In August 2024, The Killers released “Bright Lights,” a standalone single that hit #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Fans on X have praised its Vegas-inspired energy, with speculation rife about a ninth album in 2026, reportedly involving producers Jack Antonoff and Flood. The band’s 2025 Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, celebrating “Hot Fuss”’s 20th anniversary, has sold out through September, featuring rare tracks and covers of influences like The Cure. Recent festival performances at Lollapalooza and Glastonbury have reaffirmed their enduring appeal, with “Mr. Brightside” a generational anthem.

With over 28 million albums sold, seven UK #1 albums, and awards from MTV, BRIT, and NME, The Killers have redefined rock music. As they near their 25th anniversary, their upcoming album and ongoing tours ensure their relevance. As Flowers told NME in 2024, “The fire’s still burning.” We believe the world would be very excited for a 9th album. We will keep our ear to the ground and let you know what we know. Shop at the Soundwave store and support what we do! Thanks for reading.

ATTENTION ALL MUSICIANS AND ARTISTS!

If you're passionate about your music and you're ready to take your career to the next level, you need to reading this. In today's world, getting your music out there isn't just a dream; it's a reality. You don't need a big record label holding you back. You need freedom, control, and the tools to succeed. Soundwave Music Media has a special deal just for you. Use this link and code below to receive  20% off your DistroKid membership. Get your music out there and you maybe the next artist we report on.