History of The Killers in Timeline
The Killers are an American rock band formed in 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The group consists of Brandon Flowers (lead vocals, keyboards), Dave Keuning (guitar, backing vocals), Mark Stoermer (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drums, percussion). The band's name originates from a fictional band's logo featured in the music video for the New Order song "Crystal".
November 2001: First Demo Recordings
In November 2001, The Killers recorded their first demo at Kill the Messenger Studio in Henderson, Nevada. The demo included the tracks "Mr. Brightside" and "Desperate."
2001: The Killers Are Formed
The Killers, an American rock band, were formed in Las Vegas in 2001 by Brandon Flowers (vocalist) and Dave Keuning (guitarist).
January 2002: First Live Show
The Killers played their first live show together at Cafe Espresso Roma in Las Vegas in January 2002.
August 30, 2002: Ronnie Vannucci Jr.'s First Show with The Killers
Ronnie Vannucci Jr. played his first show with The Killers on August 30, 2002, at The Junkyard club. Mark Stoermer also played bass with the band this night.
November 2002: Mark Stoermer Officially Joins The Killers
Mark Stoermer officially joined The Killers as bassist in November 2002, after a period of playing with the band on a trial basis.
2002: Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. Join the Band
In 2002, Mark Stoermer (bassist) and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drummer) joined The Killers, solidifying the band's lineup.
2002: The Killers' Marquee Sign Logo Is Created
Inspired by the album artwork of Elvis Presley's "ELV1S: 30 No. 1 Hits," Brandon Flowers had the idea to use a marquee sign as The Killers' logo. The logo, designed by Ronnie Vannucci Jr.'s roommate's girlfriend, has been a staple of the band's branding ever since.
July 2003: The Killers Sign With Lizard King Records
The Killers signed with the British independent label Lizard King Records in July 2003 after catching the attention of A&R rep Alex Gilbert.
August 19, 2003: "Mr. Brightside" Premieres on BBC Radio 1
On August 19, 2003, The Killers' song "Mr. Brightside" made its debut on DJ Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show, marking the beginning of their journey to becoming a globally recognized band.
September 29, 2003: "Mr. Brightside" Sees Limited UK Release
On September 29, 2003, The Killers released "Mr. Brightside" in the UK on a limited run of CDs and vinyl records. This release, coupled with their live performances in London that month, garnered positive reviews from critics and generated significant interest in the US.
November 2003: The Killers Complete Recording "Hot Fuss"
In November 2003, The Killers wrapped up the recording of their debut album, "Hot Fuss," with Jeff Saltzman. The band chose to retain many of the original demos, believing they possessed a raw energy that couldn't be replicated.
May 2004: The Killers Embark on First Headline Tour
In May 2004, The Killers began their first headlining tour in the UK. This followed a period of supporting acts like British Sea Power and Morrissey, and the release of their debut US single, "Somebody Told Me."
June 7, 2004: "Hot Fuss" Released to Critical Acclaim
The Killers released their debut album, "Hot Fuss," on June 7, 2004 in the UK and a week later in the US. The album, lauded for its distinct sound and praised by critics, achieved commercial success, propelled by popular singles like "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me."
2004: Release of "Hot Fuss"
The Killers released their debut album, "Hot Fuss," in 2004.
January 2005: "Hot Fuss" Tops UK Charts
In January 2005, seven months after its initial release, "Hot Fuss" climbed to the number one spot on the UK Albums Chart and remained on the chart for an impressive 173 weeks, making it the longest-charting album of the decade in the UK.
March 2005: "Hot Fuss" Reaches Number One in Australia
In March 2005, "Hot Fuss" hit the number one spot on the Australian charts, adding to the album's global success story.
April 2005: "Hot Fuss" Peaks at Number Seven in US
"Hot Fuss" reached its peak position of number seven on the US Billboard chart in April 2005, further solidifying The Killers' international success.
June 2005: The Killers: Best-Selling New Rock Band
By June 2005, Rolling Stone recognized The Killers as the "best-selling new rock band of the past year." This acknowledgment came on the heels of their World Music Award for World's Best Selling New Group and their MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist.
July 2005: The Killers Perform at Live 8
In July 2005, The Killers took to the London stage for the Live 8 concert, delivering a memorable performance of their hit "All These Things That I've Done." Their performance resonated with fellow artists like Robbie Williams, Coldplay, and U2, who incorporated the song's iconic refrain into their own sets.
2005: The Killers Win First NME Award for "Best International Band"
The Killers' ascent in the music world was recognized in 2005 when they clinched their first NME Award for "Best International Band." This win solidified their status as a global force in rock music.
June 2006: The Killers Finalize "Sam's Town" at Criterion Studios
The Killers put the finishing touches on their second studio album, "Sam's Town," at Criterion Studios in London in June 2006. Working with producers Alan Moulder and Flood, the band aimed to create a record that reflected their personal and musical evolution.
July 2006: "When You Were Young" Released to Positive Reception
In July 2006, The Killers released "When You Were Young," the lead single from "Sam's Town." The song, noted for its heartland rock influences, received widespread critical acclaim and garnered two Grammy Award nominations.
October 2006: "Sam's Town" Released to Mixed Reviews
The Killers released their highly anticipated second album, "Sam's Town," in October 2006. The album received a mixed reception, with some critics praising its ambition and evolution, while others, notably Rolling Stone, responded with harsh criticism. Despite the divided opinions, the album achieved commercial success, debuting at number two on the US Billboard chart and claiming the top spot on the UK chart.
November 29, 2006: The Killers Record Live Session at Abbey Road Studios
On November 29, 2006, The Killers recorded a special live session at the iconic Abbey Road Studios for the "Live from Abbey Road" series. They delivered a largely acoustic set, stripping back songs like "Sam's Town" and "When You Were Young" and even performing a rendition of Dire Straits' classic, "Romeo and Juliet."
December 2006: The Killers Release First Christmas Charity Single
In December 2006, The Killers released "A Great Big Sled," their first Christmas charity single, with proceeds benefiting Product Red. This marked the beginning of their annual tradition of releasing holiday songs for charitable causes.
2006: The Killers Win MTV Europe Music Award and Q Award
2006 was a year of accolades for The Killers as they took home the MTV Europe Music Award for "Best Rock Group," further solidifying their place as a rock powerhouse. That same year, their iconic music video for "When You Were Young" earned them the "Best Video" award at the Q Awards, showcasing their ability to create visually captivating and memorable music experiences.
2006: The Killers Kick Off Annual Christmas Singles Tradition
In 2006, The Killers embarked on a heartwarming holiday tradition: releasing Christmas-themed singles and videos annually to support the Product Red campaign.
2006: Ted Sablay Joins as Touring Musician
Ted Sablay joined The Killers as a touring keyboardist and rhythm guitarist in 2006. He would later assume lead guitar duties in Dave Keuning's absence.
2006: The Killers Part Ways with Manager Braden Merrick, Legal Battle Ensues
The Killers made the decision to dismiss their manager, Braden Merrick, in 2006. Merrick responded by filing lawsuits against the band and their new management, seeking $16 million each for breach of contract. The Killers countersued, claiming substantial financial losses due to Merrick's alleged mismanagement.
2006: Release of "Sam's Town"
The Killers released their second album, "Sam's Town," in 2006.
February 2007: The Killers Win Two BRIT Awards
The Killers attended the BRIT Awards in February 2007, where they delivered a performance of "When You Were Young" and walked away with two prestigious awards: Best International Group and International Album. This recognition further solidified their global impact on the music scene.
October 2007: The Killers Release "Tranquilize"
In October 2007, The Killers released "Tranquilize," the lead single from their compilation album "Sawdust." The song featured a collaboration with renowned musician Lou Reed.
November 2007: The Killers Release "Sawdust"
In November 2007, The Killers released "Sawdust", a compilation album featuring B-sides, rarities, and unreleased material from their first two albums. The album, certified Platinum in the UK, included the single "Tranquilize," a collaboration with Lou Reed.
2007: The Killers Begin Work on "Day & Age"
In 2007, The Killers began working with producer Stuart Price on their third studio album, "Day & Age." Price, who had previously remixed some of their songs, joined the band at their newly acquired Battle Born Studios in Las Vegas. The collaboration resulted in the creation of the album's lead single, "Human."
2007: The Killers Headline Arenas, Release "Read My Mind" Video
In 2007, The Killers' growing popularity propelled them to headline arena shows, including a memorable performance at Madison Square Garden. The band also shot the video for their single "Read My Mind" in Tokyo, Japan, and released a remix of the song by the Pet Shop Boys. Their festival appearances that year included a headlining slot at Glastonbury Festival, showcasing their rising status in the music world.
2007: The Killers Continue Christmas Tradition with "Don't Shoot Me Santa"
The Killers continued their annual tradition in 2007, releasing "Don't Shoot Me Santa."
2007: The Killers Headline Glastonbury Festival
The Killers headlined the Glastonbury Festival in 2007, marking a significant milestone in their career.
2007: Release of "Sawdust"
The Killers released "Sawdust," a compilation of B-sides and rarities, in 2007.
2007: The Killers Conquer BRIT Awards with "Best International Band"
The Killers' international acclaim reached new heights in 2007 when they were crowned "Best International Band" at the prestigious BRIT Awards. This win solidified their status as one of the most exciting and successful rock acts on the global stage.
October 2008: The Killers Release "Human"
The Killers released "Human," the lead single from their album "Day & Age," in October 2008. The song, described by frontman Brandon Flowers as "Johnny Cash meets the Pet Shop Boys," became a global hit.
November 18, 2008: The Killers Release "Day & Age"
On November 18, 2008, The Killers released their third studio album, "Day & Age." The album, described by the band as their "most playful record," showcased a diverse sonic palette and deeply personal lyrics, dealing with themes like loss and family.
2008: The Killers Release "Joseph, Better You than Me"
In 2008, The Killers added another heartwarming chapter to their Christmas discography with the release of "Joseph, Better You than Me."
2008: The Killers Secure Second NME Award for "Best International Band"
In 2008, The Killers continued their winning streak, securing their second NME Award for "Best International Band," proving their enduring popularity and impact on the music scene.
2008: Release of "Day & Age"
The Killers released their third studio album, "Day & Age," in 2008.
2009: The Killers and Braden Merrick Settle Lawsuit
After a protracted legal battle, The Killers and their former manager, Braden Merrick, reached a settlement in 2009, putting the lawsuit behind them.
2009: The Killers Spread Holiday Cheer with "Happy Birthday Guadalupe!"
In 2009, The Killers continued their tradition of releasing a Christmas single with "Happy Birthday Guadalupe!," spreading holiday cheer and supporting a good cause.
2009: The Killers Embark on "Day & Age World Tour"
In 2009, The Killers embarked on their "Day & Age World Tour," performing on every continent and headlining major festivals like Lollapalooza and Coachella. The tour, ranked among the top 50 worldwide concert tours of the year, culminated in the recording of their first live DVD, "Live from the Royal Albert Hall," in London.
2009: The Killers Achieve a Hat Trick at the NME Awards
The Killers made it a hat trick at the NME Awards in 2009, winning "Best International Band" for the third time. This consecutive win solidified their place as a favorite among NME readers and a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
2009: Release of "Live from the Royal Albert Hall"
The Killers released their first live album, "Live from the Royal Albert Hall," in 2009.
January 2010: The Killers Announce Hiatus
In January 2010, The Killers announced a hiatus after six years of extensive touring, allowing band members to focus on solo endeavors and personal commitments.
February 2010: Brandon Flowers' Mother Passes Away
Tragedy struck in February 2010 when Brandon Flowers' mother passed away from brain cancer, leading to the cancellation of several tour dates in Asia and Australia. The "Day & Age" tour concluded with a poignant performance at the Good Vibrations Festival in Melbourne.
July 4, 2010: The Killers Perform at White House for "Salute to the Military" Concert
On July 4, 2010, The Killers had the distinct honor of performing at the White House for the second annual "Salute to the Military" concert organized by the United Service Organizations. The event was part of the Independence Day celebrations, and frontman Brandon Flowers described it as a "monumental honor" for the band.
July 8, 2010: The Killers Perform at Campaign Rally for Barack Obama and Harry Reid
On July 8, 2010, The Killers showed their support for then-President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who was up for re-election, by performing at a campaign rally in Nevada.
2010: The Killers Release "Boots" for Christmas
In 2010, The Killers gifted their fans with the release of their Christmas single "Boots," keeping their annual tradition alive.
2010: The Killers Receive ASCAP Vanguard Award
In 2010, The Killers were honored with the prestigious ASCAP Vanguard Award, recognizing their influential and innovative contributions to music.
February 2011: Brandon Flowers Has Lunch with Mitt Romney
In February 2011, Brandon Flowers, the frontman of The Killers, had a private lunch with Mitt Romney during Romney's visit to Nevada for the Republican Party convention.
April 2, 2011: The Killers Headline Lollapalooza Chile
Marking their return to the stage after a hiatus, The Killers headlined the inaugural International Lollapalooza Festival in Santiago, Chile, on April 2, 2011.
April 30, 2011: The Killers Perform at Top of the Mountain Concert
The Killers delivered a memorable performance at the season-closing Top of the Mountain concert in Ischgl, Austria, on April 30, 2011.
June 24, 2011: The Killers Headline Hard Rock Calling
The Killers graced the stage as headliners for the second time at the Hard Rock Calling festival in Hyde Park, London, on June 24, 2011.
November 12, 2011: The Killers Headline Orlando Calling Festival
On November 12, 2011, The Killers had the distinct honor of being the inaugural headliner for the Orlando Calling Festival in Orlando, Florida.
November 30, 2011: The Killers Release (RED) Christmas EP
On November 30, 2011, The Killers brought some holiday cheer to iTunes with the release of their special (RED) Christmas EP. This digital release gathered all six of their Christmas-themed songs that they had shared annually for charity up to that point.
2011: The Killers Record "Battle Born"
Throughout 2011, The Killers immersed themselves in the studio, collaborating with a team of renowned producers—Steve Lillywhite, Damian Taylor, Brendan O'Brien, Stuart Price, and Daniel Lanois—to craft their fourth studio album, "Battle Born."
June 2012: The Killers Announce "Battle Born" Album
In June 2012, The Killers released a trailer for their upcoming fourth studio album, "Battle Born," revealing its title, inspired by the Nevada state flag.
2012: The Killers Remain Neutral in the 2012 Election
In 2012, The Killers chose to remain neutral in the U.S. presidential election.
2012: The Killers Unleash "I Feel It in My Bones"
In 2012, The Killers continued their Christmas single streak with "I Feel It in My Bones," a slightly darker but just as catchy holiday tune.
2012: Release of "Battle Born"
The Killers released their fourth studio album, "Battle Born," in 2012.
June 22, 2013: The Killers Play Wembley Stadium
The Killers reached a milestone on June 22, 2013, by performing their largest show to date at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London for a crowd of 90,000 fans.
September 11, 2013: The Killers Tease New Music
The Killers sparked anticipation among fans on September 11, 2013, by tweeting a cryptic message in Morse code, which translated to "The Killers Shot at the Night," hinting at new music.
September 16, 2013: The Killers Release "Shot at the Night"
Marking the 10th anniversary of their debut London show, The Killers released "Shot at the Night" on September 16, 2013, a single produced by Anthony Gonzalez.
October 2013: The Killers Headline Life Is Beautiful Festival
The Killers concluded their "Battle Born World Tour" with a headline performance at the inaugural Life Is Beautiful Festival in their hometown of Las Vegas in October 2013.
November 11, 2013: The Killers Release "Direct Hits"
On November 11, 2013, The Killers released "Direct Hits," their first greatest hits compilation, featuring tracks from their four studio albums, along with the new singles "Shot at the Night" and "Just Another Girl."
2013: The Killers Claim Fourth NME Award for "Best International Band"
In 2013, The Killers added another NME Award to their collection, winning "Best International Band" for a remarkable fourth time. This win further cemented their legacy as one of the most celebrated rock bands in the world.
2013: The Killers Celebrate "Christmas In LA"
The Killers painted a picture of a sunny California Christmas with their 2013 single, "Christmas In LA."
2013: Release of "Direct Hits"
The Killers released their first greatest hits album, "Direct Hits," in 2013.
2014: The Killers Promote "Direct Hits"
The Killers embarked on a promotional tour in 2014 to support their "Direct Hits" compilation album, performing at various festivals and events.
2014: The Killers Share the Story of "Joel the Lump of Coal"
The Killers got a little whimsical with their 2014 Christmas single, "Joel the Lump of Coal," a tale of a different kind of holiday hero.
2015: Brandon Flowers Performs for Barack Obama and Harry Reid
In 2015, Brandon Flowers, lead singer of The Killers, gave a special performance for Barack Obama and then-Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid at the National Clean Energy Summit.
2015: The Killers Embrace the Joy of "Dirt Sledding"
In 2015, The Killers celebrated the simple joys of the season with their Christmas single "Dirt Sledding," capturing the spirit of winter fun.
April 6, 2016: The Killers Headline T-Mobile Arena Opening Night
On April 6, 2016, The Killers headlined the opening night of the new T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip. The band were joined by special guests "Mr. Las Vegas" Wayne Newton and the Blue Man Group.
May 24, 2016: Mark Stoermer Announces Break from Touring
On May 24, 2016, Mark Stoermer announced he was taking a break from touring with The Killers to pursue other educational goals and release a solo album. The band emphasized Stoermer's continued involvement in the band's fifth album and occasional live performances.
October 1, 2016: The Killers Celebrate 10th Anniversary of "Sam's Town"
On October 1, 2016, The Killers, including Mark Stoermer, celebrated the tenth anniversary of their second album, "Sam's Town," with two shows at the Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall. They performed the album in its entirety.
November 2016: The Killers Contribute 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: The Killers Wrap Up Annual Christmas Single Tradition
In 2016, The Killers decided to conclude their beloved tradition of releasing annual Christmas singles. They expressed hope that another band would take up the mantle and continue spreading holiday cheer through music.
2016: Mark Stoermer Begins Hiatus
Mark Stoermer began an extended hiatus from The Killers in 2016, citing exhaustion and lingering effects from a pyrotechnics accident.
2016: Release of "Don't Waste Your Wishes"
The Killers released their first Christmas compilation album, "Don't Waste Your Wishes," in 2016.
June 14, 2017: "The Man" Released as Lead Single
On June 14, 2017, "The Man" was released as the lead single from The Killers' upcoming album, "Wonderful Wonderful."
July 2017: "Mr. Brightside" Certified Diamond in the US
By July 2017, "Mr. Brightside" had achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching Diamond certification in the United States, a testament to its enduring popularity. The song had garnered 3.7 million downloads in the US by that time.
July 2017: "Hot Fuss" and "Sam's Town" Sales Reach 5.3 Million
By July 2017, The Killers' first two albums, "Hot Fuss" and "Sam's Town," had collectively sold an impressive 5.3 million copies, demonstrating their enduring appeal and impact on the music industry.
August 6, 2017: Dave Keuning Announces Indefinite Hiatus
On August 6, 2017, Dave Keuning announced an indefinite hiatus from The Killers, citing exhaustion from touring and a desire to spend more time with family.
August 28, 2017: The Killers Confirm Stoermer and Keuning's Absence from Tour
On August 28, 2017, The Killers confirmed that neither Mark Stoermer nor Dave Keuning would participate in the "Wonderful Wonderful World Tour," but emphasized their continued membership in the band. Jake Blanton and Ted Sablay filled in for Stoermer and Keuning, respectively, along with touring musicians Robbie Connolly and Taylor Milne.
September 22, 2017: The Killers Release "Wonderful Wonderful"
On September 22, 2017, The Killers released their fifth studio album, "Wonderful Wonderful," produced by Jacknife Lee.
September 30, 2017: The Killers Headline AFL Grand Final and Concert
On September 30, 2017, The Killers headlined the 2017 AFL Grand Final in Melbourne, Australia, and a free concert at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, earning praise for their performances. They invited fan and Richmond vice-captain Jack Riewoldt onstage to perform "Mr. Brightside."
2017: Dave Keuning Begins Hiatus
Dave Keuning began an extended hiatus from The Killers in 2017, during which he released a solo album.
2017: The Killers Oppose Development in Red Rock Canyon
In 2017, The Killers demonstrated their commitment to environmental conservation by writing a letter publicly opposing a proposed development project in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
2017: Release of "Wonderful Wonderful"
The Killers released their fifth studio album, "Wonderful Wonderful," in 2017.
2017: The Killers Headline Global Citizen Festival
The Killers took the stage as headliners for the 2017 Global Citizen Festival, a testament to their commitment to social causes and their global appeal.
May 2018: Brandon Flowers Expresses Interest in New Album
In May 2018, Brandon Flowers expressed his desire to make another album with The Killers.
October 2018: Dave Keuning Confirms Early Stages of New Album
In October 2018, Dave Keuning confirmed that The Killers were in the early stages of working on a new album, though his own involvement was uncertain.
November 15, 2019: The Killers Announce Sixth Studio Album and Tour
On November 15, 2019, The Killers announced their sixth studio album, "Imploding the Mirage," slated for Spring 2020, along with a UK and Ireland stadium tour.
2019: The Killers Headline Glastonbury Festival for the Second Time
The Killers headlined the Glastonbury Festival for the second time in 2019.
March 12, 2020: "Caution" Released as Lead Single
On March 12, 2020, "Caution," featuring a solo by Lindsey Buckingham, was released as the lead single from "Imploding the Mirage." It was also confirmed that Dave Keuning did not participate in the recording and would not be touring with the band.
April 25, 2020: "Caution" Tops Billboard's Alternative Songs Chart
On April 25, 2020, "Caution" reached number one on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart, marking the band's first number-one song on that chart in over 13 years.
May 5, 2020: Flowers and Vannucci Discuss Keuning and Stoermer's Status
On May 5, 2020, Brandon Flowers and Ronnie Vannucci stated that while Dave Keuning was on hiatus and his absence posed challenges during the recording of "Imploding the Mirage," he was welcome to return. They also mentioned Mark Stoermer's limited role due to hearing damage but confirmed his involvement in the album and anticipated participation in select live shows.
June 2020: UK and Ireland Stadium Tour
The Killers embarked on a UK and Ireland stadium tour, originally scheduled to begin in May 2020 but likely postponed or affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific details regarding the tour's status were not provided in the provided text.
July 15, 2020: "My Own Soul's Warning" Music Video and Album Release Date Announced
On July 15, 2020, The Killers released the music video for their second single from "Imploding the Mirage," "My Own Soul's Warning," and announced the album's release date as August 21, 2020.
August 21, 2020: "Imploding the Mirage" Released
On August 21, 2020, The Killers released their sixth studio album, "Imploding the Mirage."
2020: Release of "Imploding the Mirage"
The Killers released their sixth studio album, "Imploding the Mirage," in 2020.
January 2021: Dave Keuning Reunites with The Killers in Studio
In January 2021, Dave Keuning rejoined The Killers in the studio to record their seventh album. Keuning and Mark Stoermer also expressed openness to playing live with the band again.
June 10, 2021: Collaboration with Bruce Springsteen Announced
On June 10, 2021, Bruce Springsteen announced a collaboration with The Killers on a remake of "A Dustland Fairytale," retitled "Dustland."
June 2021: Work Begins on Eighth Studio Album
In June 2021, Dave Keuning confirmed that The Killers had started working on their eighth studio album.
July 19, 2021: "Pressure Machine" Release Announced
On July 19, 2021, The Killers announced their seventh studio album, "Pressure Machine," would be released on August 13, 2021. Mark Stoermer was unable to participate in the recording due to difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 13, 2021: Keuning Returns for "Pressure Machine" Recording
Despite a hiatus that began in 2017, Dave Keuning returned to The Killers to participate in the recording of their album "Pressure Machine," released on August 13, 2021.
2021: The Killers Switch to Global Music Rights
In 2021, The Killers moved their performance rights management from ASCAP to Global Music Rights, owned by Irving Azoff.
2021: Release of "Pressure Machine"
The Killers released their seventh studio album, "Pressure Machine," in 2021.
March 2022: Pressure Machine Deluxe Edition and Imploding the Mirage Tour
In March 2022, The Killers released a deluxe version of their album "Pressure Machine." The following month, they embarked on their "Imploding the Mirage" tour, starting with three nights in Las Vegas. Notably, bassist Mark Stoermer was absent from the tour but was said to be interested in recording the band's next album.
July 8, 2022: The Killers Debut "Boy" at Mad Cool Festival and Tease Eighth Album
On July 8, 2022, during their performance at the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, The Killers treated fans to the first listen of their upcoming single, "Boy." The song was initially written during the "Pressure Machine" sessions but didn't quite fit the album's overall vibe. In an interview with NME, frontman Brandon Flowers confirmed that the band was deep into working on their eighth studio album and hinted at more single releases throughout 2022, leading up to the full album drop in early 2023.
July 2022: Flowers Hints at Early 2023 Release for Eighth Album
In July 2022, Brandon Flowers hinted at a possible early 2023 release for The Killers' eighth studio album.
August 15, 2023: The Killers Spark Controversy with On-Stage Fan Interaction in Georgia
On August 15, 2023, during a performance at the Black Sea Arena in Shekvetili, Georgia, The Killers found themselves at the center of controversy. During their song "For Reasons Unknown," the band invited a fan on stage, a common tradition during their shows. However, the situation escalated when it was revealed that the fan was Russian. The incident sparked immediate backlash from a portion of the audience, with some even leaving in protest. The choice to bring a Russian fan on stage came across as insensitive to many due to the ongoing political tensions between Russia and Georgia, including the occupation of Georgian territories by Russia. The band later issued an apology on social media, clarifying that their intention was not to cause offense and that their message of unity among fans was misconstrued in the context of the complex political climate.
December 8, 2023: The Killers Release Second Greatest Hits Album, "Rebel Diamonds"
On December 8, 2023, The Killers delighted fans with the release of their second greatest hits compilation album, titled "Rebel Diamonds." This collection not only featured some of their biggest hits but also included three tracks from the band's shelved eighth studio album: "Boy," "Your Side of Town," and "Spirit." This release gave fans a taste of the musical direction the band had been exploring, even as they moved on from the scrapped project.
2023: Eighth Album Anticipation
During 2023, The Killers hinted at the release of their eighth album, building anticipation among fans.
2023: The Killers Headline Electric Picnic
The Killers headlined Electric Picnic in Ireland in 2023.
2023: Release of "Rebel Diamonds"
The Killers released their second greatest hits album, "Rebel Diamonds," in 2023.
2023: Potential Release of Eighth Studio Album
The Killers' eighth studio album, as hinted at by Brandon Flowers, is anticipated for a potential release in 2023. However, no specific date or confirmation has been given.
