History of The Killers in Timeline
The Killers are an American rock band formed in Las Vegas in 2001 by Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning. Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. joined in 2002, solidifying the band's lineup. They are known for their distinctive blend of new wave, post-punk revival, and heartland rock influences.
November 2001: Recording of Demo in Nevada
In November 2001, Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning, along with drummer Matt Norcross, recorded a demo at Kill the Messenger Studio in Henderson, Nevada. The demo included 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. Joined by Neal and Norcross, they began playing venues around the city and handed out free copies of their demo.
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. Mark Stoermer played bass at this show.
November 2002: Mark Stoermer Joins The Killers Permanently
In November 2002, Mark Stoermer accepted the invitation to join The Killers as their permanent bassist.
2002: Inspiration for Band Logo
In 2002, Brandon Flowers was inspired by the album artwork on Elvis Presley's compilation album 'ELV1S: 30 No. 1 Hits' while walking through a Virgin Megastore in Las Vegas, which led to the creation of the band's marquee sign 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 after a series of short-term bassists and drummers.
July 2003: Signing with Lizard King Records
In July 2003, The Killers signed with the British Independent label Lizard King Records after Alex Gilbert, an A&R rep from the UK, presented their demo to Ben Durling at the label.
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 song "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers was released in the UK on a limited number of CDs and vinyl records.
November 2003: Finishing Recording Hot Fuss
In November 2003, The Killers finished recording their debut album, Hot Fuss, with Jeff Saltzman, choosing to keep many of the original demos.
May 2004: First Headline Tour in the UK
In May 2004, The Killers started their first headline tour 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 the top spot in Australia.
April 2005: 'Hot Fuss' Peaks 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 Concert Performance
In July 2005, The Killers performed "All These Things That I've Done" at the Live 8 concert in London. Robbie Williams incorporated the song's refrain into his performance, and Coldplay and U2 later referenced the line in their own concerts.
2005: NME Award for Best International Band
In 2005, The Killers won an NME Award for "Best International Band".
June 2006: Finishing Touches on Sam's Town
In June 2006, The Killers added finishing touches to their album, Sam's Town, at Criterion Studios in London.
July 2006: Premiere of "When You Were Young"
In July 2006, The Killers premiered their lead single "When You Were Young" from the Sam's Town album, which became a hit.
October 2006: Release of Sam's Town
In October 2006, The Killers released their second album, "Sam's Town", under Island Def Jam Music Group. The album's release garnered mixed reviews and sold 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, performing an unplugged set including "Sam's Town", "When You Were Young", and "Romeo and Juliet".
December 2006: Release of "A Great Big Sled"
In December 2006, The Killers released "A Great Big Sled", a Christmas charity song to benefit Product Red, initiating an annual tradition.
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 and Q Award Wins
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".
2006: Ted Sablay Assumes Touring Keyboardist Role
Since 2006, Ted Sablay has served as a touring keyboardist and rhythm guitarist for The Killers. He assumed lead guitar duties for live shows in Dave Keuning's absence.
February 2007: NME Award for "Bones" video
Also in February 2007, the Tim Burton-directed video for The Killers' single, "Bones", won Best Video at the NME Awards.
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 and International Album.
October 2007: Release of "Tranquilize"
In October 2007, The Killers released "Tranquilize", a collaboration with Lou Reed, as the first single from their upcoming album "Sawdust".
November 2007: Release of Sawdust Compilation Album
In November 2007, The Killers released "Sawdust", a compilation album containing B-sides, rarities, and unreleased material from their first two albums, which was certified Platinum in the UK.
2007: Collaboration with Stuart Price and Demo Recording of "Human"
In 2007, The Killers enlisted Stuart Price to produce their third studio album, and they recorded a demo of "Human" at Price's London home, which became the lead single from "Day & Age".
2007: Glastonbury Festival performance
In 2007, The Killers headlined the Glastonbury Festival.
2007: Sam's Town Tour and Headlining Arenas and Festivals
In 2007, The Killers recorded the video for their single "Read My Mind" in Tokyo, Japan, during a break in their Sam's Town Tour. They also began headlining arenas, including Madison Square Garden for the first time, and major European festivals, such as 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". The song's ambiguous lyric "Are we human, or are we dancer?" caused confusion and was later voted the most confusing song lyric of all time.
November 18, 2008: Release of Day & Age
On November 18, 2008, The Killers released their third album, "Day & Age", which included personal lyrics addressing themes such as death and family.
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: Day & Age World Tour and Live DVD Recording
In 2009, The Killers embarked on the Day & Age World Tour, headlining festivals like Lollapalooza and Coachella for the first time. On July 5-6, they 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, after a dispute that began in 2006.
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 six years, during which band members devoted themselves to solo projects.
February 2010: Cancellation of Asia and Australia dates due to Flowers' Mother's Death
In late February 2010, Brandon Flowers' mother died from brain cancer, which led to the cancellation of tour dates in Asia and some in Australia, while the Day & Age tour concluded in Melbourne.
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. The band played "Human", "Somebody Told Me", "Mr. Brightside", "A Dustland Fairytale", "God Bless America/Read My Mind" and "When You Were Young".
July 8, 2010: Campaign Rally Performance in Nevada
On July 8, 2010, Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, and Mark Stoermer of The Killers played at a campaign rally in Nevada for Barack Obama and Harry Reid. They performed an acoustic version of "Read My Mind" and a folksy rendition of the state song, "Home Means Nevada".
2010: ASCAP Vanguard Award
In 2010, The Killers received the ASCAP Vanguard Award.
February 2011: Brandon 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
On April 2, 2011, The Killers returned to the stage headlining the new International Lollapalooza Festival in Santiago, Chile.
April 30, 2011: Performance at Top of the Mountain Concert
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
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
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 that had been released up to that point in support of Product Red.
2011: Recording of Fourth Studio Album
In 2011, The Killers returned to the studio to record their fourth 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, The Killers released a short trailer on their VEVO page revealing the name of their new album, "Battle Born", named after the flag of Nevada.
September 18, 2012: Release of Battle Born
On September 18, 2012, The Killers released their fourth album, Battle Born, which became their fourth consecutive No. 1 album in the UK and Ireland.
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: Biggest Show to Date at Wembley Stadium
On June 22, 2013, The Killers played their biggest show to date at the 90,000 capacity Wembley Stadium and performed a song specifically written for the occasion.
September 11, 2013: Teaser Tweet for "Shot at the Night"
On September 11, 2013, The Killers tweeted a picture with Morse code that translated to "The Killers Shot at the Night."
September 16, 2013: Release of "Shot at the Night" and Announcement of Direct Hits
On September 16, 2013, The Killers released "Shot at the Night" and announced their greatest hits compilation, "Direct Hits", set to release on November 11, 2013.
October 2013: Headlining Life Is Beautiful Festival and Concluding Battle Born World Tour
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 "Direct Hits", their first greatest hits compilation album, featuring songs from all four studio albums and two new songs.
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: Direct Hits Promotional Tour and Festival Appearances
In 2014, The Killers followed the release of "Direct Hits" with a short promotional tour and appearances at various festivals.
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 guests like Wayne Newton and the Blue Man Group.
May 24, 2016: Mark Stoermer's Touring Break Announcement
On May 24, 2016, The Killers announced that Mark Stoermer was taking a break from touring, with Jake Blanton moving to bass guitar in his absence.
October 1, 2016: Sam's Town 10th Anniversary Celebration
On October 1, 2016, The Killers (including Mark Stoermer) celebrated the tenth anniversary of their album "Sam's Town" by playing two nights at the Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, performing the album in full from start to finish.
November 2016: Contribution to Robbie Williams' Album
In November 2016, The Killers contributed a track titled "Mixed Signals" to Robbie Williams' eleventh album, "The Heavy Entertainment Show."
2016: Release of 'Don't Waste Your Wishes'
In 2016, The Killers released 'Don't Waste Your Wishes', a Christmas compilation album.
2016: Stoermer begins extended hiatus
Starting in 2016, Mark Stoermer began an extended hiatus from touring with The Killers, citing exhaustion and lingering effects from a pyrotechnics accident.
June 14, 2017: Release of "The Man"
On June 14, 2017, The Killers released "The Man" as the lead single from their upcoming album, "Wonderful Wonderful."
July 2017: "Mr. Brightside" Downloads Reach 3.7 Million in the US
As of July 2017, The Killers' song "Mr. Brightside" had been downloaded 3.7 million times in the United States and was certified Diamond.
July 2017: Hot Fuss and Sam's Town Sales Update
As of July 2017, The Killers had sold 5.3 million copies each of their albums Hot Fuss and Sam's Town.
August 6, 2017: Dave Keuning's Indefinite Hiatus
On August 6, 2017, The Killers announced that Dave Keuning was going on an indefinite hiatus from the band due to exhaustion and a desire to spend time with his son.
August 28, 2017: Announcement Regarding Stoermer and Keuning's Participation in Upcoming Tour
On August 28, 2017, The Killers confirmed that neither Mark Stoermer nor Dave Keuning would participate in the Wonderful Wonderful World Tour, though they remained members of the band, with Jake Blanton and Ted Sablay filling in, alongside new touring musicians Robbie Connolly and Taylor Milne.
September 22, 2017: Release of Wonderful Wonderful
On September 22, 2017, The Killers released their fifth album, "Wonderful Wonderful", produced by Jacknife Lee.
September 30, 2017: AFL Grand Final Performance
On September 30, 2017, The Killers headlined the 2017 AFL Grand Final in Melbourne, Australia, and a free concert at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), earning praise and inviting Jack Riewoldt onstage to perform "Mr. Brightside".
2017: Release of 'Wonderful Wonderful'
In 2017, The Killers released their fifth studio album, 'Wonderful Wonderful', which topped the UK Albums Chart.
2017: Keuning begins extended hiatus
Starting in 2017, Dave Keuning began an extended hiatus from The Killers to release a solo album.
May 2018: Flowers Expresses Desire for New Album
In May 2018, Brandon Flowers expressed his desire to make another album with The Killers.
October 2018: Keuning Comments on New Album Process
In October 2018, Dave Keuning told NME that the band was in the early stages of working on a new album, though his role was uncertain.
November 15, 2019: The Killers Announce New Album and Tour
On November 15, 2019, The Killers announced their sixth studio album, "Imploding the Mirage," slated for a Spring 2020 release. That same day, the band also announced a UK and Ireland stadium tour scheduled for May and June 2020.
2019: Glastonbury Festival Performance
In 2019, The Killers headlined the Glastonbury Festival.
March 12, 2020: Release of Caution
On March 12, 2020, The Killers released "Caution" as the lead single from their upcoming album, "Imploding the Mirage", featuring a solo by Lindsey Buckingham. It was also confirmed that Dave Keuning did not participate in recording the album and will not be touring with the band.
April 25, 2020: Caution Reaches Number One
On April 25, 2020, the single "Caution" by The Killers reached number one on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart, marking a 13-year and 6-month gap since the band's last number-one song on that 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, he is welcome to return. They also stated that Mark Stoermer's role is limited due to hearing damage but he was involved in the recording of the album and will play select live shows.
July 15, 2020: Release of "My Own Soul's Warning" Music Video and Album Announcement
On July 15, 2020, The Killers released the music video for "My Own Soul's Warning," the second single from their new album, and announced that the album would be released on August 21, 2020.
August 21, 2020: Release of Imploding the Mirage
On August 21, 2020, The Killers released their sixth studio album, "Imploding the Mirage".
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: Keuning Reunited with The Killers
In January 2021, Dave Keuning reunited with The Killers in the studio to record their 7th album. Keuning and Mark Stoermer are open to playing live with the band.
June 10, 2021: Collaboration with Bruce Springsteen Announced
On June 10, 2021, Bruce Springsteen announced a collaboration with The Killers. Later that day, The Killers' social media announced the remake of "A Dustland Fairytale," retitled "Dustland".
June 2021: Eighth Album in the Works
In June 2021, Dave Keuning confirmed that The Killers had begun working on their eighth album.
July 19, 2021: Pressure Machine Album Announcement
On July 19, 2021, the band's seventh album, entitled Pressure Machine, was announced with a release date of August 13, 2021. Mark Stoermer remained absent due to difficulties presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
August 13, 2021: Pressure Machine Released and Reaches No. 1 in the UK
On August 13, 2021, The Killers released their seventh album, "Pressure Machine," which debuted at No. 1 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart, marking the band's seventh U.K. No. 1 album.
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 participated in the recording of The Killers' album, Pressure Machine, despite his hiatus from touring.
March 2022: Release of Deluxe Edition of Pressure Machine
In March 2022, The Killers released a deluxe edition of their album "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. During an interview with NME Brandon Flowers confirmed they have been working on their eighth album, stating there would be more single releases in 2022 leading to the album's release early 2023.
July 2022: Eighth Album in the Works
In July 2022, Brandon Flowers alluded to an early 2023 release of the eighth album.
August 15, 2023: Controversy at Black Sea Arena Performance
On August 15, 2023, The Killers' performance at the Black Sea Arena in Shekvetili, Georgia, sparked controversy when they invited a Russian fan on stage during "For Reasons Unknown", leading to booing and walkouts. Brandon Flowers' attempt to defuse tensions was followed by an apology from the band on social media.
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: Original Line-Up Reunion for Hot Fuss 20th Anniversary
In August 2024, the original four-piece of The Killers reunited for a fifteen-night concert residency celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Hot Fuss". They performed the album in full each night and recorded a brand new song, "Bright Lights".
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