The Killers are a rock band formed in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2001. A rock band, yes, but there is more to the music of this band that is a tad reminiscent of the Synth-Pop style that took over for a bit over past decades and it makes for a different page of energy in their live show and crowd interaction. I was very fortunate to be invited to American Airlines Arena, in Miami, this past Saturday evening to take in the best show this calendar year...thus far! Thanks out to everyone involved and for the images also.
Brandon Flowers (Lead vocals/keyboards and heartbeat) formed The Killers, along with and Dave Keuning (guitar, backing vocals). The remaining two: Mark Stoermer (bass, backing vocals) and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drums, percussion wizard!) joined the roster in 2002 and they simply have not looked back! That is what this business takes to remain relevant over decades and this line up is not even close to being finished.
Their sound is mainly rock based basics guitar, bass and killer drums with the added 'bounce' to the mix with the proper infusion of synthesizers to what they present. It is simply feel good, let lose and just dance for two and one half hours straight, give or take and it's the best energy this fan has found live this calendar year, thus far! On the road they also bring two additional guitarists both electric and acoustic that also double as the sythesizer stunt doubles and a fine job they do indeed.
This show and crowd energy reminded this fan of the masses pleasing Depeche Mode and the Rose Bowl days, a bit. Brandon Flowers grabs the crowd at first appearance. They opened walking out to a highway back drop and the opening track to Miami Vice and ripped into 'Mr. Brightside' all with the house lights up! It was on! Fade to complete black and one back drop down, hit the lights and we were OFF!
Miami being a high energy heartbeat of a city's undertone in itself provided the correct electricity in this crowd that were beaming happy, every single attendee jumping and bopping to the song or Mr. Flowers cue to participate. This show was what the soul called for...the raw, clean synth rock with distinguishing lyric and beat being thrown to the crowd and then standing back and seeing the wave of energy and love from the crowd to the artist. Well done all the way around, the production was fabulous and being from Vegas, who would expect any less?
Best lazer light show to date and second best pyro spread witnessed ever. The best display being that it was tri-fold in that it mixed the standard fire and smoke releases, but there were indoor fireworks simulated rather well and of course there was the ticker-tape confetti filling that place at least three times! So all of this, again the best lasers and an energy transfer that no one can match right now and it made for a grand evening indeed.
The group have released fourth studio album, Battle Born, in 2012 and are currently out in support of the new selections, but still treats their devotees the favorites and every single one of them. This band works their crowd well, in that it's simple enjoyment and they please them, in appreciation of the support over their trek. View the current tour set list here.
As mentioned, 'Mr. Brightside' opened the show with the squinting house lights all on! The sets weaved through some favored classics and new selections from the Battle Born release. 'This River is Wild' was so well done and 'Miss Atomic Bomb' got things cranking a bit! The ever loved 'Somebody Told Me' was mixed in with the more fresh single, 'From Here on Out' to the perfect balance of an evening on a live stage!
This band just works well together on all points and it's evident in the level of their live performances. All four hold their crucial role that is worked to near perfection obviously demonstrated in how tight and spot on they all are live. The front line of Flowers, Keuning and Stoermer just clicks all evening, but the force is from the mad man on this bands drum kit and that is the wizardry of Ronnie Vannucci Jr. I had never before the opportunity to see him play live and he is now close to the top of my favorites list after watching him master the same stamina in the last encore as in the opening song. Toss in one hell of a solo and this is a work out that could hurt any one of us! Impressive beyond all description, see this tour you will simply leave a happier person, it works!
This fan has read other reviews stating that The Killers fans have grown up and moved on and that now preteens fare them as vintage music. What this long time fan can honestly report is that no, in fact, this bands fan base has not moved on as we are the few maybe that hold the good things dear and want to simply enjoy a great show. The Killers never deliver anything less. There is a younger base to the fans today, but it is not preteen anything, it is college students on up in all walks of life and some bring their kids to continue a good thing possibly.
The view this fan had at the American Airlines Arena was one of thousands in a sea of a great show all dancing and singing along, so in all fairness The Killers still pack the best show around and their fans are still right here to stay and catch any local stops they may! The hair on my arms stood up the next day telling my kids about this show and again just finishing this article up...this is a good show! Get tickets and have some fun!!
Special thanks to The Killers, Jen Appel, and American Airlines Arena and staff for the best live show this year and a fabulous evening. Look forward to working together in the future and safe travels to the band and crew on the remaining leg of this journey.
View remaining dates here!
