By Ed Condran
There has never been a Las Vegas-based band on a par with The Killers. The alt-rock band led by dynamic singer-songwriter and keyboardist Brandon Flowers has enjoyed great success since forming in 2001. The Killers have sold more than 28 million albums and have filled stadiums and arenas around the world.
However, there is nothing like a hometown residency. The Killers will kick off their long-awaited run Aug. 14 at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace, and the dates continue through Sept. 1.
The Killers will mark the 20th anniversary of their exceptional debut album “Hot Fuss” by playing the album in its entirety for the first time. Such infectious, synth-driven tunes as “Smile Like You Mean It,” “Somebody Told Me,” “All These Things That I’ve Done” and The Killers’ signature song “Mr. Brightside” will be delivered.
Since there are only 11 “Hot Fuss” songs, there will be plenty of time for other material. It’ll be curious how many deep cuts The Killers will render. There is plenty to draw from since the band has seven albums.
The Killers, which also features guitarist Dave Keuning, bassist Mark Stoermer and drummer Ronnie Vannucci, is a dynamic live act. Flowers is adept at engaging the audience, and it’ll be a blast to experience what the gifted tunesmith waxes about during the residency.
It’s no surprise The Killers took off after forming. Lo-fi was in vogue during the turn of the century. However, there was a group of music aficionados who were clearly underserved. They craved glitzy, dramatic songs of love and loss, and The Killers have been more than happy to comply.
The band is skilled at crafting agreeable guy-longs-for girl cuts. Its winning Cure-meets-Depeche Mode-with-a-touch-of Duran Duran helped the band move quickly up the chain to headlining substantial venues.
Unlike many recording artists, The Killers have never been down with the phrase “less is more.” Bigger has always been better for The Killers, who have a knack for delivering stylish, atmospheric and arena-ready tunes.
The Killers, who took their nickname from the bass drum of a fictitious band who appeared in New Order’s “Crystal” video, are one of the few larger-than-life bands on the circuit.
Each of the group’s albums has received critical acclaim and commercial success, which is difficult to pull off. The Killers have been working on a new album. However, nothing has been released since 2021’s “Pressure Machine.”
Perhaps The Killers will hit the studio after their residency and tour conclude.
Singles by The Killers
“Mr. Brightside”
“Somebody Told Me”
“All These Things That I’ve Done”
“Smile Like You Mean It”
“When You Were Young” (hit No. 1)
“Bones”
“Read My Mind”
“Human”
“Spaceman”
“Runaways”
“Shot at the Night”
“The Man”
“Run for Cover”
“Caution” (hit No. 1)
“My Own Soul’s Warning”
“Boy” (hit No. 1)
“Your Side of Town”
