The Killers

The Killers are an American band from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2001.

The band’s name is inspired by the logo on the bass drum of a fictional group appearing in the music video for the song Crystal by New Order.

The original lineup included Brandon Flowers (lead vocals, keyboards, bass) and Dave Keuning (lead guitar, backing vocals). The current core trio comprises Brandon Flowers, Ronnie Vannucci and Dave Keuning; bassist Mark Stoermer stopped touring but continues to record with the band intermittently.

After attracting attention, they signed with the British independent label Lizard King Records in summer 2002. Their debut album, Hot Fuss, was released in June 2004; the singles Somebody Told Me, Mr. Brightside and All These Things That I've Done achieved commercial success.

Their second album, Sam’s Town, recorded in Las Vegas, was released in October 2006; its lead single, When You Were Young, rose quickly on the charts. Videos for Bones (directed by Tim Burton), Read My Mind (shot in Tokyo) and For Reasons Unknown accompanied the album, which sold over 700000 copies worldwide in its first week.

The compilation Sawdust, released on 12 November 2007, collects B-sides, rarities and new tracks; it includes the single Tranquilize with Lou Reed, a cover of Shadowplay, as well as covers of The First Edition and Dire Straits. The album also contains Leave the Bourbon On The Shelf, the previously unreleased first part of the “Murder Trilogy”, followed by Midnight Show and Jenny Was a Friend of Mine.

In 2006 the band was recognized for its work with Bono’s Product Red campaign, dedicated to fighting AIDS in Africa, and released its first Christmas-themed song.