The Killers returned to their hometown of Las Vegas on January 25 for the finale of their residency at Caesars Palace—putting on a dazzling tribute to the city’s vibrant history while catapulting into its bright future.
“The desert is mysterious,” remarked Brandon Flowers, the band's frontman, highlighting its significance as a cherished lyrical inspiration for the Las Vegas-based group. The desert’s captivating essence can be seen in their works, from 2004's *Hot Fuss* to 2021's *Pressure Machine*, illustrated not only through vivid and imaginative lyrics but also derived from their own experiences growing up in Nevada.
*Pressure Machine*, The Killers’ seventh studio effort, was released in 2021, exploring themes such as courage, desolation, heat, romance, escape, and risk-taking, all of which resonate with the band's origins in Las Vegas. As guitarist Dave Keuning noted, “Many assume Vegas is wild because of movies like *The Hangover*, but our portrayal of Vegas is completely different.”
In *Smile Like You Mean It*, Flowers sings, “Someone is calling my name from the back of the restaurant,” recalling his days as a busboy at Caesars Palace after moving to the city from Utah at 16. Even in his solo projects, he evokes imagery of Humboldt County, sagebrush highways, and the house always winning.
The Killers are frequently mistakenly identified as a British band, but a thorough exploration of their discography reveals the unmistakable influence of the Mojave Desert.
After numerous world tours in support of their seven studio albums, the band recently returned to Vegas for a sold-out residency at Caesars Palace, particularly at the hotel and casino where Flowers once worked. Their final performance was on January 25. Just past merchandise stalls featuring Killers playing cards and tote bags, the band established their presence in the hotel’s grand theatre for a series of unforgettable shows.
“All it takes is just one coin and a little luck,” a voice proclaimed as a golden coin clinked into a glowing jukebox on stage. The Colosseum buzzed with applause as the silhouettes of Flowers, Keuning, bassist Mark Stoermer, and drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. appeared behind a spotlighted curtain. With the opening notes of “Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine” filling the venue, the quartet swiftly dispelled any preconceived notions of what a residency should entail.
“A lot of people come to Vegas to gamble, and I’m no different,” Flowers shared, instantly connecting with the audience. “I bet my life on three men I barely knew. Some arrive in Vegas and lose everything. That’s just how it is. Let tonight remind us that sometimes it works the other way around.”
“Mr. Brightside” followed, one of the first songs the band wrote, which they would practice after sneaking into the University of Nevada's band room. The track has since become the UK’s third highest-selling and longest-charting single, remaining on the charts for over 408 weeks, while also being Spotify's most-streamed song from the 2000s—an impressive pedigree that got the entire venue moving.
The Caesars Palace shows celebrated the 20th anniversary of *Hot Fuss*, with the first twelve songs performed in album order, closely mimicking the studio arrangements. In my opinion, The Killers have only improved over time, and I genuinely believe this version of them, more than 20 years into their performances, is their best yet. When Flowers leaped onto the stage setup to deliver the pre-chorus of “All These Things That I’ve Done,” it was beyond dispute.
The themes prevalent in “All These Things That I’ve Done”—direction, purpose, anxiety, identity, and the fear of missing out on one’s true potential—are echoed in many of The Killers' greatest songs. As the audience kicked off the line “I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier,” another phrase emerged from behind: “Time, truth, and hearts.” The studio recording’s thunderous drums and layered vocals often drown these words, but they succinctly summarize the lyrics’ essence—time, truth, and hearts being the three uncontrollable facets of life.
“On Top” was another highlight, its tempo and length keeping the audience engaged with energetic choruses and each member's vibrant stage presence as the album approached its midpoint. The excitement built further leading up to “Everything Will Be Alright,” the last track on the album and the first one Flowers composed for his wife. “Her experience in this city wasn’t as fortunate as mine,” he remarked. “So what does a 21-year-old Mr. Brightside tell a girl cautious of the world, looking for refuge? Everything will be alright.”
Reflecting on *Hot Fuss*'s bonus track “Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll,” Flowers noted that its meaning has evolved over the years, now more aligned with fans' interpretations
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On January 25, The Killers came back to Las Vegas for the final show of their residency at Caesars Palace – the band delivered a dazzling tribute to the history of Sin City while also propelling it into the future.