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Photo © 2022 Chris Phelps, www.chrisphelps.com, Imploding the Mirage Tour 2022, Wolstein Center – Cleveland, OH, 10.7.22.

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The Killers, true believers in the phrase ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’ returned to Qudos Bank Arena for a second show to play the entirety of their 2004 debut album ‘Hot Fuss’ in track order for their fans. Arguably their most popular album, ‘Hot Fuss’ boasts track after track of feel-good songs that had all of their fans, even those in the nosebleed section, up and dancing along. It was a night that would have the entire crowd looking on the ‘brightside’ of life.

First taking to the stage were Radio Free Alice, a Melbourne-based rock quartet that had a sound that resembled a mix between The Cure and The Ramones. Even though their set was short, Radio Free Alice had the crowd buzzing and bopping along to their songs. Performing their recently released tracks such as ‘2010,’ ‘I Gotta (Fall in Love),’ ‘Johnny,’ ‘Paris is Gone’ and ‘Waste of Space’ I could tell that these home-grown, indie-rockers would right at home on Triple J’s Top 100 list, with their classic rock style that felt effortless. If you’re a fan of the iconic, classic sound of 70’s rock and roll, then Radio Free Alice is one to add to your playlist!

It was now time for the men of the hour, The Killers, to take the stage. The level of theatrics that The Killers utilised from the very beginning to the very end of their show was an absolute testament to their hometown of Las Vegas. Their band name in bright lights, resembling the lights of a casino, flashy outfits that would belong on a Las Vegas residency stage and backdrops themed around elements of Vegas all, quite literally, set the stage and transported a crowd of Aussie fans halfway across the world.

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The Killers hit the ground running, performing their first song of the night and the first on the ‘Hot Fuss’ album, ‘Jenny Was a Friend of Mine’ immediately had the crowd singing and dancing along, as if they were shocked by a jolt of lightning. For a song with such a sinister backstory, its music is deceptively catchy and upbeat. Now when a band normally performs, they save their biggest song for the very end, but since The Killers was performing ‘Hot Fuss’ in order, ‘Mr Brightside’ was second on the setlist. Dubbed ‘the hit that just won’t die’ and one of the key songs in every playlist that contain a title along the lines of ‘songs that get white people excited’ or ‘emo bangers,’ ‘Mr Brightside’ will never fail to have people singing along to each lyric with every fibre of their being. Honestly, I think most people are born knowing the lyrics to this song. Watching and singing along to this performance was an incredible experience to be a part of, as the crowd sang the lyrics louder than lead singer Brandon Flowers.

Keeping the ball running and not letting the crowd’s energy drop, ‘Smile Like You Mean It’ and ‘Somebody Told Me’ immediately followed, with the crowd singing along and volleying their energy with the band as if they were seeing who was most excited about the song being performed. ‘All These Things That I’ve Done’ saw extra musicians join the band on the stage, including a trio of backup singers who were ready to add pitch perfect harmonies throughout. On the lyric “I’ve got a soul, but I’m not a soldier” the crowd sang along like it was their personal mantra, putting all their heart and soul into singing it. In that moment the camaraderie between the crowd and the band through this song was touching to see. This song transitioned into a tribute to a Las Vegas icon, Elvis Presley, with a short cover of ‘Burning Love,’ accompanied by Elvis-style flair and dancing.

‘Andy, You’re a Star,’ ‘On Top,’ and ‘Change Your Mind’ were the next three songs in the setlist, three songs that had completely different sounds to them but each absolutely had their fair share of hardcore fans who embraced them as the crowd slightly quieted. Before playing ‘Change Your Mind,’ lead singer Brandon Flowers addressed a fan in the crowd with a poster requesting The Killers to play their song ‘A Crippling Blow’ from their third album ‘Day & Age’. Flowers laughed and brushed it off, stating that it was a ‘deep cut’ but they would work on a version to play at a show in the future or on Instagram for him. It was fun to watch this interaction between the band and the crowd, and I’m sure that on the inside they were glad to see that someone appreciated this more niche track from their discography.

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Taking a darker turn, ‘Believe Me, Natalie’ was next on the setlist, before transitioning into a sombre and almost menacing cover of Frank Sinatra’s ‘Luck Be a Lady’. This cover was hauntingly beautiful, as if it’s hinting at the darker side of Las Vegas and the activities that occur there and makes me hope that The Killers would someday release a full version.

Continuing on with dark and haunting lyrics was ‘Midnight Show’. Part of The Killers’ “Murder Trilogy” of songs inspired by a real murder case, ‘Midnight Show’ joins ‘Jenny Was a Friend of Mine’ and ‘Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf’ as they retell events from the tragedy. I think this is a clever and touching way to make sure the real case is remembered by The Killers and their fans.

Extending a hand of reassurance and comfort, The Killers proceeded to play ‘Everything Will Be Alright’ before finishing their first half of the show on their satirical track that ended up becoming their reality: ‘Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll.’ And just like that, Hot Fuss was completed, and The Killers were making way for a select few of their more recent releases.

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After a brief costume change, the crowd was re-energised and ready to go for the second part of the night, and The Killers did not disappoint with their choice of the first song back: ‘The Man.’ The energy was back at a high and there was confetti in the shape of bills blasted out of confetti cannons and the crowd sang along to this anthem of confidence.

The Killers proceeded to then play hit after hit from the remainder of their albums, starting with ‘Human,’ then ‘This is Your Life,’ ‘Caution,’ ‘Runaways’ and ‘Read My Mind.’ All of a sudden the show was at its second-last song and lead singer Brandon Flowers was in a thankful mood, stating “Tonight is a celebration and celebration is a form of gratitude, so thanks for sticking around with us.” I’m sure that as a 20-something year olds, 20 years ago, with their debut album freshly released, The Killers wouldn’t have imagined how influential it would become and how people would be so eager to hear it played front to back in its entirety. So, in the spirit of gratitude and reminiscing, came a performance of ‘Bright Lights’ and finally, ‘When We Were Young.’

The Killers have a true connection with their fans and that was clear to see as they performed every song. It’s impressive that their music has such longevity, not just as individual songs but as whole albums. Their shows were all a love-letter to their beginnings in Las Vegas and their whole show felt so well thought out that with their attention to detail you could tell that they made the stage home over the span of their career.

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THE KILLERS
​AUSTRALIAN TOUR
​November/December 2024

​Presented by Frontier Touring

Saturday 30 November – Rebel Diamonds
​Queensland Country Bank Stadium | Townsville, QLD
​All Ages ​
​axs.com.au

Friday 6 December – Rebel Diamonds
​Qudos Bank Arena | Sydney, NSW
​All Ages
​ticketek.com.au

Saturday 7 December – Hot Fuss
​Qudos Bank Arena | Sydney, NSW
​All Ages
​ticketek.com.au

Monday 9 December – Rebel Diamonds
​Brisbane Entertainment Centre | Brisbane, QLD
​All Ages ​
​ticketek.com.au

Thursday 12 December – Rebel Diamonds
​Rod Laver Arena | Melbourne, VIC
​All Ages
​ticketek.com.au

Friday 13 December – Hot Fuss
​Rod Laver Arena | Melbourne, VIC
​All Ages
​ticketek.com.au

Patrons are advised to purchase tickets only through authorised ticket sellers.

We cannot guarantee any ticket purchase made through any means other than the official ticketing agents listed on the Frontier website.

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Follow THE KILLERS
Website – Facebook – Spotify
Twitter – Youtube

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Press Release 9th September 2024 (below) HERE

THE KILLERS
return to Australia
in Nov/Dec 2024

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AMNPLIFY – DB