Andy, You're a Star

Background

Brandon Flowers wrote "Andy, You're a Star" about his time at Juab High School in Nephi, Utah, which he attended from 9th to 11th grade. He initially said the song was about a crush on a classmate named Andy Messersmith, but later retracted that, stating it instead addressed how teachers favored football players and wrestlers, with many teachers also being coaches. Flowers described the song as "a song for a loner" in an NME interview, noting that long-haired students and musicians were often bullied by sportsmen and coaches.

He denied the earlier comment about a crush, affirming his comfort with his sexuality and his attraction to women. When asked about perceived "gay undertones," Flowers responded that listeners should make the song their own, calling that the beauty of art. The track, produced by Jeff Saltzman and the Killers, is one of two on Hot Fuss to feature backing vocals from R&B girl group the Sweet Inspirations, known for their work with Jimi Hendrix and Elvis Presley.

Release and reception

"Andy, You're a Star" was released with Hot Fuss in the United Kingdom on June 7, 2004, and in the United States on June 15, 2004. The Cornell Daily Sun described it as a "more measured" song, noting the distorted fuzziness of Flowers' voice made him feel distant. The Pigeon Press praised the track for its stalling guitar and atmospheric synth, calling it intelligent and self-aware, with Flowers' voice conveying knowing empathy. Drowned in Sound complimented the rhythmic, tinny guitar flick and how the detached melodies and linear, synthy basslines contrasted with Flowers' overwrought vocals.

Live performances

The song debuted at Las Vegas transgender bar Sasha's, now known as Tramps, in November 2003, seven months before Hot Fuss was released. It was commonly played during the Hot Fuss Tour in 2004 and 2005, and later during the Wonderful Wonderful World Tour in 2017 and 2018, often following "The Calling." A resurgence of performances occurred before the 20 Years of Hot Fuss residency in 2024 and 2025. As of November 2025, the song had been performed live 180 times.