The Killers

In the midst of Las Vegas' music scene, dominated by punk and nu metal, a band with a different proposal emerged: The Killers. Their sound, a fusion of British pop energy and the rawness of modern indie rock, set them apart from the start. It all began in 2001, when Brandon Flowers, after leaving his previous synth-pop project, sought musicians with a similar vision. An ad in a local newspaper led him to meet Dave Keuning, a guitarist who had moved to Las Vegas from Iowa. With shared musical influences, they began composing together in Keuning’s apartment and adopted the name of a fictional band featured in the music video for New Order’s song Crystal. Their early recordings, including an initial version of Mr. Brightside, were made in late 2001 in Henderson, Nevada, with a lineup still searching for its identity.

Their first performances at Café Espresso Roma in Las Vegas, in early 2002, showcased a band with a unique style, handing out free copies of their demo. However, the original lineup underwent changes. It was in 2002 that the band found its definitive core with the addition of Ronnie Vannucci Jr. on drums and Mark Stoermer on bass. Vannucci, already known in Las Vegas’ music circuit, brought essential discipline, while Stoermer joined as a solid musician, completing a cohesive unit that would define their sound. With this lineup, The Killers signed with the British independent label Lizard King Records and shortly after with Island Records in the United States, marking the beginning of their recording career.