The Killers

American rock band formed in Las Vegas in 2001, known for seven UK chart-topping studio albums.

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The Killers are an American rock band formed in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2001 by Brandon Flowers (lead vocals, keyboards, bass) and Dave Keuning (lead guitar, backing vocals). After the band went through several short-term bassists and drummers, Mark Stoermer (bass, rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drums, percussion) joined in 2002.

Quick Facts

Origin

Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

Genre

Alternative rock
pop rock
post-punk revival
new wave
heartland rock

Years active

2001–present

Label

Island
Vertigo
Marrakesh
Mercury
Lizard King

Spinoffs

Big Talk

Current members

Brandon Flowers
Dave Keuning
Ronnie Vannucci Jr.
Mark Stoermer

Past members

Dell Neal
Matt Norcross
Brian Havens

Lore & Background

The Killers have released seven studio albums, each of which topped the UK Albums Chart: Hot Fuss (2004), Sam's Town (2006), Day & Age (2008), Battle Born (2012), Wonderful Wonderful (2017), Imploding the Mirage (2020), and Pressure Machine (2021). The band have also released three compilation albums: Sawdust (2007), Direct Hits (2013), and Rebel Diamonds (2023), all of which have charted in the top 10 of the UK Albums chart. The Killers are considered one of the biggest rock bands of the 21st century, selling more than 35 million records worldwide. They have performed in over 50 countries and on six continents, headlining venues such as Madison Square Garden, Wembley Stadium, Glastonbury Festival (2007 and 2019), and Electric Picnic (2023).

Reader's Guide

The Killers formed in 2001 when Brandon Flowers, after being fired from his first band Blush Response, answered an ad placed by Dave Keuning. They bonded over similar musical influences and began writing songs together. Their first demo included 'Mr. Brightside' and 'Desperate'. The band's name comes from a fictional band in the music video for the New Order song 'Crystal'. After several lineup changes, Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. joined in 2002, solidifying the band. The band's logo, inspired by an Elvis Presley compilation album, was designed by Vannucci's roommate's girlfriend. They signed with Lizard King Records in summer 2003 and later with Island Def Jam. Their debut album Hot Fuss was released in June 2004.

Did You Know?

The first time Dave Keuning and Brandon Flowers met, Keuning gave Flowers a four-track tape containing an early riff of 'Mr. Brightside'.
The band's logo was inspired by the album artwork of the Elvis Presley compilation ELV1S: 30 No. 1 Hits.
Ronnie Vannucci Jr. was initially reluctant to join the band but agreed after realizing Flowers and Keuning were 'as crazy as I was—maybe even crazier' about rehearsals.