The Killers

Combining the opulent kitsch of their native Las Vegas with a love of British indie rock, The Killers formed in 2002 when Brandon Flowers responded to an advert by guitarist Dave Keuning stating Oasis as an influence. They soon added drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr., and bassist Mark Stoermer. Taking their name from a fictional band featured in New Order's video “Crystal”, The Killers rehearsed in a small garage and played a club run by drag queens. Early demos reached BBC Radio One DJ Zane Lowe and their 2003 debut single, “Mr. Brightside”, created a formidable buzz. A UK tour, some acclaimed festival appearances, and a rash of radio-friendly singles propelled debut album, 2004’s Hot Fuss, into the UK top ten and the band's reputation quickly spread worldwide. They released Sam's Town and headlined the Glastonbury Festival in 2006. Day & Age debuted at Number 1 in the UK in 2008, selling 200,000 copies in its first week, and the single ”Human” became the band's third UK top 5 single. After a break, they returned in 2011 with a host of festival appearances and the release of their fourth album, Battle Born, in 2012, another Number 1 on both sides of the Atlantic. Bassist Mark Stoermer announced he was taking a break from the band, but continued to work with them on their fifth album, 2017’s Wonderful Wonderful. Three years later came Imploding the Mirage, an album recorded largely without Dave Keuning in part because of hearing problems he suffered. 2021’s Pressure Machine followed quickly and became the band’s seventh album to go Number 1 in the UK. A greatest hits album, Rebel Diamonds, was released in 2023 and featured a spread of tracks from their 2004 and all subsequent LPs.