November 2001: Demo Recording at Kill the Messenger Studio
In November 2001, The Killers, with drummer Matt Norcross, recorded a demo at Kill the Messenger Studio in Henderson, Nevada, featuring the songs "Mr. Brightside" and "Desperate".
January 2002: First Live Show at Cafe Espresso Roma
In January 2002, Keuning and Flowers played their first live show together at an open mic night at the Cafe Espresso Roma in Las Vegas. They were joined by Neal and Norcross.
August 30, 2002: Vannucci's First Show with The Killers
On August 30, 2002, Ronnie Vannucci Jr. played his first show with The Killers at a club called The Junkyard, with Mark Stoermer on bass for that night.
November 2002: Stoermer Joins The Killers Permanently
In November 2002, Mark Stoermer accepted the invitation to permanently join The Killers on bass, solidifying the band's lineup.
2002: Inspiration for The Killers' Logo
In 2002, Brandon Flowers was inspired by the album artwork on Elvis Presley's compilation album "ELV1S: 30 No. 1 Hits" and decided to use a marquee sign motif as The Killers' logo.
2002: Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. Join The Killers
In 2002, Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. joined The Killers, solidifying the band's lineup.
July 2003: Signing with Lizard King Records
In July 2003, The Killers signed with the British independent label Lizard King Records.
August 19, 2003: "Mr. Brightside" Premieres on BBC Radio 1
On August 19, 2003, the song "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers premiered on DJ Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show in the UK.
September 29, 2003: "Mr. Brightside" Released in the UK
On September 29, 2003, The Killers' song "Mr. Brightside" was released in the UK on a limited number of CDs and vinyl records.
November 2003: Finishing Recording of Hot Fuss
In November 2003, The Killers finished recording their debut album, 'Hot Fuss', with Jeff Saltzman.
May 2004: First Headline Tour Starts in the UK
In May 2004, The Killers embarked on their first headline tour, starting in the UK.
June 7, 2004: Release of Hot Fuss in the UK
On June 7, 2004, The Killers released their debut album, 'Hot Fuss', in the United Kingdom on Lizard King Records.
2004: Release of 'Hot Fuss'
In 2004, The Killers released their debut studio album, 'Hot Fuss', which topped the UK Albums Chart.
January 2005: Hot Fuss Reaches Number One in the UK
In January 2005, seven months after its release, The Killers' album 'Hot Fuss' reached number one in the UK.
March 2005: Hot Fuss Reaches Number One in Australia
In March 2005, The Killers' album 'Hot Fuss' reached number one in Australia.
April 2005: Hot Fuss Reaches Number Seven in the US
In April 2005, The Killers' album 'Hot Fuss' reached its peak position of number seven in the US.
June 2005: Rolling Stone Recognizes The Killers
In June 2005, Rolling Stone recognized The Killers as the "best-selling new rock band of the past year".
July 2005: Live 8 Performance and Song Refrain Incorporation
In July 2005, The Killers performed "All These Things That I've Done" at Live 8 in London, and Robbie Williams, Coldplay, and U2 incorporated the song's refrain into their own performances.
2005: NME Award for "Best International Band"
In 2005, The Killers won an NME Award for "Best International Band".
June 2006: Finishing Touches to Sam's Town
In June 2006, finishing touches were added to 'Sam's Town' at Criterion Studios in London
July 2006: Premiere of "When You Were Young"
In July 2006, The Killers' lead single "When You Were Young" was premiered and became a hit.
October 2006: Release of Sam's Town album
In October 2006, The Killers released their second album, Sam's Town, under Island Def Jam Music Group. The album reached number two on the US Billboard chart and number one on the UK chart, selling over 706,000 copies worldwide in its first week.
November 29, 2006: Live session at Abbey Road Studios
On November 29, 2006, The Killers recorded a live session at Abbey Road Studios for Live from Abbey Road. The set included stripped-back versions of "Sam's Town", "When You Were Young", and a rendition of "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits.
December 2006: Release of Christmas charity song
In December 2006, The Killers released "A Great Big Sled", a Christmas charity song benefiting Product Red, beginning an annual tradition for the band.
2006: Release of "A Great Big Sled"
Beginning in 2006, The Killers released annual Christmas themed singles and videos in aid of the charity Product Red, supporting The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The first Christmas single released in 2006 was "A Great Big Sled".
2006: Ted Sablay joins as touring member
In 2006, Ted Sablay joined The Killers as a touring keyboardist and rhythm guitarist.
2006: Firing of Manager Braden Merrick
In 2006, The Killers fired their manager, Braden Merrick, leading to legal disputes.
2006: Release of 'Sam's Town'
In 2006, The Killers released their second studio album, 'Sam's Town', which topped the UK Albums Chart.
2006: MTV Europe Music Award for "Best Rock Group" and Q Award for "Best Video"
In 2006, The Killers won a MTV Europe Music Award for "Best Rock Group" and a Q Award for "Best Video" for "When You Were Young".
February 2007: BRIT Awards Performance and Wins
In February 2007, The Killers attended the BRIT Awards in the United Kingdom, where they performed "When You Were Young" and won two awards: Best International Group & International Album. The Tim Burton-directed video for the album's second single, "Bones", also won Best Video at the NME Awards in February 2007.
October 2007: Release of Tranquilize single
In October 2007, The Killers released "Tranquilize", a collaboration with Lou Reed, as the first single from their upcoming compilation album Sawdust.
November 2007: Release of Sawdust compilation album
In November 2007, The Killers released a compilation album called Sawdust, containing B-sides from the band's first two albums, rarities, and unreleased material.
2007: Release of "Don't Shoot Me Santa"
In 2007, The Killers continued releasing annual Christmas themed singles and videos in aid of the charity Product Red. The single released in 2007 was "Don't Shoot Me Santa".
2007: Collaboration with Stuart Price and "Human" Demo
In 2007, The Killers enlisted Stuart Price to produce their third studio album and met with him to discuss producing tracks for Sawdust. During that meeting, they recorded a demo of "Human", which would later become the lead single from Day & Age.
2007: Glastonbury Festival Performance
In 2007, The Killers headlined the Glastonbury Festival.
2007: Sam's Town Tour and Festival Headlining
In 2007, The Killers recorded the video for "Read My Mind" in Tokyo, Japan, during a break in their Sam's Town Tour. The single release was accompanied by a remix of the song by the Pet Shop Boys. Due to high ticket demand, the Killers began headlining arenas including Madison Square Garden for the first time and also headlined a number of major European festivals during 2007, including Glastonbury Festival.
2007: Release of 'Sawdust'
In 2007, The Killers released 'Sawdust', a B-sides and rarities compilation album.
2007: BRIT Award for "Best International Band"
In 2007, The Killers won a BRIT Award for "Best International Band".
October 2008: Release of Human
In October 2008, The Killers released "Human". Flowers described the song as "Johnny Cash meets the Pet Shop Boys". The lyric "Are we human, or are we dancer?" confused listeners.
November 18, 2008: Day & Age Album Release
On November 18, 2008, The Killers released their third album, Day & Age, which became their third studio album to reach number one in both the UK and Ireland.
2008: Release of "Joseph, Better You than Me"
In 2008, The Killers continued releasing annual Christmas themed singles and videos in aid of the charity Product Red. The single released in 2008 was "Joseph, Better You than Me".
2008: Release of 'Day & Age'
In 2008, The Killers released their third studio album, 'Day & Age', which topped the UK Albums Chart.
2008: NME Award for "Best International Band"
In 2008, The Killers won an NME Award for "Best International Band".
2009: Release of "Happy Birthday Guadalupe!"
In 2009, The Killers continued releasing annual Christmas themed singles and videos in aid of the charity Product Red. The single released in 2009 was "Happy Birthday Guadalupe!".
2009: Day & Age World Tour and Live DVD Recording
In 2009, The Killers embarked on the Day & Age World Tour, headlining US festivals Lollapalooza and Coachella for the first time. On July 5–6, 2009 at the Royal Albert Hall, London the Killers recorded their first live DVD, Live from the Royal Albert Hall.
2009: Release of 'Live from the Royal Albert Hall'
In 2009, The Killers released 'Live from the Royal Albert Hall', a live album.
2009: Settlement of Lawsuit with Braden Merrick
In 2009, The Killers settled the lawsuit with their former manager, Braden Merrick.
2009: NME Award for "Best International Band"
In 2009, The Killers won an NME Award for "Best International Band".
January 2010: Announcement of a Break
In January 2010, The Killers announced that they would take a short break after being on the road for the better part of six years.
February 2010: Death of Brandon Flowers' Mother
In late February 2010, Brandon Flowers' mother died from brain cancer, resulting in the cancellation of dates in Asia and some in Australia. The Day & Age tour finally came to a close in Melbourne on February 21 when the Killers were the headline act of the Good Vibrations Festival.
July 4, 2010: Performance at the White House
On July 4, 2010, The Killers played on the White House South Lawn for the second annual "Salute to the Military" United Service Organizations concert as part of Independence Day celebrations, invited by U.S. President Barack Obama.
July 8, 2010: Campaign Rally Performance in Nevada
On July 8, 2010, Flowers, Keuning, and Stoermer played at a campaign rally in Nevada for Barack Obama and Harry Reid. They performed an acoustic version of "Read My Mind" and "Home Means Nevada".
2010: Release of "Boots"
In 2010, The Killers continued releasing annual Christmas themed singles and videos in aid of the charity Product Red. The single released in 2010 was "Boots".
February 2011: Flowers' Lunch with Mitt Romney
In February 2011, Brandon Flowers had a private lunch with Mitt Romney during Romney's visit to the Republican Party convention in Nevada.
April 2, 2011: Headlining International Lollapalooza Festival in Santiago, Chile
On April 2, 2011, The Killers returned to the stage to headline the new International Lollapalooza Festival in Santiago, Chile.
April 30, 2011: Performance at Top of the Mountain concert in Ischgl, Austria
On April 30, 2011, The Killers performed at the season closing Top of the Mountain concert in Ischgl, Austria.
June 24, 2011: Headlining Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park, London
On June 24, 2011, The Killers headlined Hard Rock Calling for the second time in Hyde Park, London.
November 12, 2011: Headlining Orlando Calling Festival in Orlando, Florida
On November 12, 2011, The Killers were the inaugural headliner of the new Orlando Calling Festival in Orlando, Florida.
November 30, 2011: Release of (RED) Christmas EP
On November 30, 2011, The Killers released the (RED) Christmas EP on iTunes, featuring all six Christmas-themed songs released up to that point. All proceeds were to be donated to Product Red campaign.
2011: Recording Fourth Studio Album
In 2011, The Killers headed back into the studio to record their fourth studio album, working with five producers: Steve Lillywhite, Damian Taylor, Brendan O'Brien, Stuart Price, and Daniel Lanois.
June 2012: Release of Battle Born album trailer
In June 2012, a short trailer revealing the album's name Battle Born was released on the Killers VEVO page.
September 18, 2012: Release of Battle Born
On September 18, 2012, The Killers released their fourth studio album, Battle Born, which became their fourth consecutive No. 1 album in the UK and Ireland.
2012: Release of "I Feel It in My Bones"
In 2012, The Killers continued releasing annual Christmas themed singles and videos in aid of the charity Product Red. The single released in 2012 was "I Feel It in My Bones".
2012: Release of 'Battle Born'
In 2012, The Killers released their fourth studio album, 'Battle Born', which topped the UK Albums Chart.
June 22, 2013: Performance at Wembley Stadium
On June 22, 2013, The Killers played their biggest show to date at the 90,000 capacity Wembley Stadium, performing a song specifically written for the occasion.
September 11, 2013: Morse Code Tweet
On September 11, 2013, The Killers tweeted a picture containing six lines of Morse code, which translated to "The Killers Shot at the Night".
September 16, 2013: Release of Shot at the Night
On September 16, 2013, The Killers released "Shot at the Night", produced by Anthony Gonzalez, exactly ten years to the day of their first show in London.
October 2013: Headlining Life Is Beautiful Festival
In October 2013, The Killers headlined the inaugural Life Is Beautiful Festival in their hometown of Las Vegas, concluding their Battle Born World Tour.
November 11, 2013: Release of Direct Hits Compilation Album
On November 11, 2013, The Killers released their first greatest hits compilation, Direct Hits. The album featured songs from all four studio albums, the new single "Shot at the Night" and another new song "Just Another Girl".
2013: Release of "Christmas In LA"
In 2013, The Killers continued releasing annual Christmas themed singles and videos in aid of the charity Product Red. The single released in 2013 was "Christmas In LA".
2013: Release of 'Direct Hits'
In 2013, The Killers released 'Direct Hits', a greatest-hits album.
2013: NME Award for "Best International Band"
In 2013, The Killers won an NME Award for "Best International Band".
2014: Release of "Joel the Lump of Coal"
In 2014, The Killers continued releasing annual Christmas themed singles and videos in aid of the charity Product Red. The single released in 2014 was "Joel the Lump of Coal".
2014: Direct Hits Promotional Tour and Festival Appearances
In 2014, following the release of Direct Hits, The Killers embarked on a short promotional tour and played a number of festivals.
2015: Release of "Dirt Sledding"
In 2015, The Killers continued releasing annual Christmas themed singles and videos in aid of the charity Product Red. The single released in 2015 was "Dirt Sledding".
April 6, 2016: Headlining T-Mobile Arena Opening
On April 6, 2016, The Killers headlined the opening night of the new T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip, joined by Wayne Newton and the Blue Man Group.
May 24, 2016: Mark Stoermer's touring break announcement
On May 24, 2016, the band announced that Mark Stoermer was taking a break from touring, In Stoermer's absence touring keyboardist/guitarist Jake Blanton moved to bass guitar.
October 1, 2016: Sam's Town 10th Anniversary Show
On October 1, 2016, The Killers celebrated the tenth anniversary of their second album, Sam's Town, by playing the album in full at the Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall. The show included Mark Stoermer.
November 2016: Contribution to Robbie Williams' Album
In November 2016, The Killers contributed a track titled "Mixed Signals" to Robbie Williams' eleventh studio album, The Heavy Entertainment Show.
2016: Stoermer Begins Hiatus
In 2016, Mark Stoermer began an extended hiatus from touring with The Killers, citing exhaustion and lingering effects from a pyrotechnics accident.
2016: Release of Don't Waste Your Wishes
In 2016, The Killers announced they would release no more Christmas singles, but released a compilation album Don't Waste Your Wishes featuring all ten previous singles plus a cover of "I'll Be Home for Christmas". All proceeds continued to be donated to Product Red.
June 14, 2017: Release of "The Man"
On June 14, 2017, The Killers released "The Man", the lead single from their upcoming album Wonderful Wonderful.
July 2017: "Mr. Brightside" Downloads
As of July 2017, "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers had been downloaded 3.7 million times in the United States and was certified Diamond.
July 2017: Album Sales Update
As of July 2017, the Killers have sold 5.3 million copies of both Hot Fuss and Sam's Town.
August 6, 2017: Dave Keuning's Indefinite Hiatus
On August 6, 2017, Dave Keuning announced that he was going on an indefinite hiatus from The Killers, citing exhaustion and a desire to spend more time with his son.
August 28, 2017: Touring Lineup Announcement
On August 28, 2017, The Killers confirmed that neither Mark Stoermer nor Dave Keuning would participate in the upcoming Wonderful Wonderful World Tour, while reiterating that both were still members of the band. Jake Blanton and Ted Sablay would fill in, and Robbie Connolly and Taylor Milne would join as touring musicians.
September 22, 2017: Release of Wonderful Wonderful
On September 22, 2017, The Killers released their fifth studio album, Wonderful Wonderful, produced by Jacknife Lee.
September 30, 2017: AFL Grand Final Performance in Melbourne
On September 30, 2017, The Killers headlined the 2017 AFL Grand Final in Melbourne, Australia. Following the game, the band also headlined a free concert at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and welcomed Jack Riewoldt onstage to perform "Mr. Brightside" with them.
2017: Keuning Begins Hiatus and Releases Solo Album
In 2017, Dave Keuning began an extended hiatus from touring with The Killers and released a solo album.
2017: Release of 'Wonderful Wonderful'
In 2017, The Killers released their fifth studio album, 'Wonderful Wonderful', which topped the UK Albums Chart.
May 2018: Plans for a New Album
In May 2018, Brandon Flowers told the Irish Independent that he wanted to make another album with The Killers.
October 2018: Early stages of next album
In October 2018, guitarist Dave Keuning told NME that the band was in the early stages of the next album.
January 14, 2019: Release of "Land of the Free"
On January 14, 2019, The Killers released the standalone track, "Land of the Free", the official music video for which was directed by Spike Lee.
November 15, 2019: Announcement of Imploding the Mirage and UK/Ireland Tour
On November 15, 2019, The Killers announced their 6th studio album, "Imploding the Mirage", slated for a Spring 2020 release. The band also announced a UK and Ireland stadium tour for May and June 2020 on November 15, 2019.
2019: Glastonbury Festival Headlining
In 2019, The Killers headlined the Glastonbury Festival.
March 12, 2020: Release of "Caution"
On March 12, 2020, The Killers released "Caution", the lead single from their upcoming album, featuring a solo by Lindsey Buckingham. It was also confirmed on March 12, 2020 that Dave Keuning did not participate in recording the album and would not be touring with the band.
April 25, 2020: "Caution" Reaches Number One
On April 25, 2020, "Caution" reached number one on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart, marking a 13 years and 6 months gap since the band's last number-one song on the chart.
May 5, 2020: Rolling Stone Interview
In an interview with Rolling Stone published on May 5, 2020, Brandon Flowers and Ronnie Vannucci stated that while Dave Keuning is on hiatus and that they had difficulties working on the new album without him, he is still welcome to return to the Killers. They also mentioned Mark Stoermer's limited role due to hearing damage, but his continued involvement in recording and potential for select live shows.
July 15, 2020: Release of "My Own Soul's Warning" Music Video
On July 15, 2020, The Killers released the music video for their second single, "My Own Soul's Warning", from the upcoming album. They also announced that the album would be released on August 21, 2020.
August 21, 2020: Imploding the Mirage Release
The Killers released "Imploding the Mirage" album on August 21, 2020.
2020: Release of 'Imploding the Mirage'
In 2020, The Killers released their sixth studio album, 'Imploding the Mirage', which topped the UK Albums Chart.
January 2021: Dave Keuning Reunited with The Killers
In January 2021, Dave Keuning reunited with The Killers in the studio to record their 7th album. Dave Keuning and Mark Stoermer also expressed interest in playing live with the band.
June 10, 2021: Announcement of Bruce Springsteen Collaboration
On June 10, 2021, Bruce Springsteen announced an upcoming collaboration with The Killers. Later that day, The Killers announced the remake of "A Dustland Fairytale", retitled "Dustland", after teasing it throughout the day on social media.
July 19, 2021: Announcement of "Pressure Machine" Release
On July 19, 2021, the band announced that their seventh album, entitled "Pressure Machine", would be released on August 13, 2021. Mark Stoermer remained absent due to COVID-19 Pandemic during recording.
August 13, 2021: "Pressure Machine" Album Release
On August 13, 2021, The Killers released their seventh album, "Pressure Machine". The album debuted at No. 1 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart, snagging the band's seventh U.K. No. 1.
2021: Release of 'Pressure Machine'
In 2021, The Killers released their seventh studio album, 'Pressure Machine', which topped the UK Albums Chart.
2021: Keuning Participates in Recording Pressure Machine
In 2021, it was announced that Dave Keuning was participating in the recording of The Killers' album 'Pressure Machine'.
March 2022: Release of Pressure Machine Deluxe Edition
In March 2022, The Killers released a deluxe edition of "Pressure Machine".
July 8, 2022: Unveiling of "Boy" at Mad Cool Festival
On July 8, 2022, The Killers unveiled their upcoming single "Boy" during their performance at Mad Cool Festival in Madrid. The song was written during the Pressure Machine recording sessions.
August 15, 2023: Controversy at Black Sea Arena Performance
On August 15, 2023, during a performance at the Black Sea Arena in Shekvetili, Georgia, The Killers invited a Russian fan on stage, leading to booing and walkouts. Brandon Flowers' attempt to defuse tensions was followed by an apology from the band on social media. On August 15, 2023, the band attracted controversy as they invited a fan, who happened to be Russian, from the crowd on stage to help them perform the song "For Reasons Unknown".
December 8, 2023: Release of Rebel Diamonds
On December 8, 2023, The Killers released their second greatest hits compilation, "Rebel Diamonds", which included three songs from the aborted eighth studio album: "Boy", "Your Side of Town" and "Spirit".
2023: Electric Picnic Performance
In 2023, The Killers headlined the Electric Picnic festival in Ireland.
2023: Release of 'Rebel Diamonds'
In 2023, The Killers released 'Rebel Diamonds', a greatest hits album.
August 2024: Las Vegas Residency and Reunion
In August 2024, the original four-piece of The Killers reunited for a ten-night Las Vegas concert residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hot Fuss. They also recorded a new song called "Bright Lights" during the residency.
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