History of The Killers - By Jake

...

The Killers are a well known American Born Rock Band formed in Las Vegas, Nevada over 10 years ago now in 2001. The band consists of four members including lead singer; Brandon Flowers. Lead Guitarist; Dave Keuning. Bassist; Mark Stoermer. And drummer Ronnie Vannucci. rumour is that the name The Killers came from the logo on a bass drum in a fictitious band portrayed in the new order song; "Crystal" 

The band have released four studio albums which are; Hot Fuss, Sam's Town, Day & Age and Battle Born. They have sold over 20 million copies. They also released other albums including a live album from the Royal Albert Hall, and a compilation album called sawdust. They also have a Christmas album called Red. Recently they released a greatest hits album named Direct Hits. 

In 2001 it hit Brandon Flowers that he wanted to be in a rock band, so he started his search and found an add from a guitarist called Dave Keuning in a local newspaper. They had similar influences and began writing songs together. At this early stage they had recorded 4 songs, Desperate and Four Winds which were never to be released and early versions of Mr Brightside and Under the Gun. They started playing small venues and handing out versions of their demo. They brought something different to Las Vegas at the time. Drummer Ronnie Vannucci and bassist Mark Stoermer were members of other bands and were eventually persuaded to join the original double. The Killers didnt break through at all in the American music industry but did in the English in 2003 when they signed with Lizard King Records. From there the Killers were born and made their way to becoming one of the biggest rock bands ever. On August 19, 2003, one of todays greatest hits, Mr Brightside was aired live on Zane Lowes BBC Radio 1 show. This let to UK shows and copies of Mr Brightside which they realeased only a few of in different versions including Vynl. As a result from the publicity they had generated in the UK they returned to the US a different band and soon signed with American Record Label, Island Def Jam. 

When Playing live they have always been one for the theatrical with fireworks lights and whatever they can get away with that will get the crowd buzzing. I can say from expirience as I have seen them twice now that their live performances are unreal and cannot be compared to any other bands. They came on 20 minutes early at Wembley in the Summer so that they could play a record 24 songs.

The Killers have always been creative with their discography and have brought out something new and interesting for every album, which is fashionable at the time. 

The Killers Look is also something completely unique to them. They looks so different yet so right for each other. The way they are very mature and dress smartly really is an influence to other bands. Brandon Flowers, The Killers main man, has admitted to having fashion issues over the year, not knowing his own style, hense the feathered jacket but after 10 years he has finally found a style which is now connected with him, his leather jacket and all black look.