R&b
The Killers’ 2004 debut album ‘Hot Fuss’ is often hailed as one of the greatest indie rock albums of all time. Now 20 years later, the band have returned to their hometown of Las Vegas for a ten night residency at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum, celebrating the album that launched their career.
On the second night of the residency, the Colosseum is buzzing as Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer, and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. unite on stage. The original band lineup receives a thunderous ovation, and as they open with ‘Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine’, it’s clear this isn’t just another concert; this is a pilgrimage for fans whose lives have been soundtracked by The Killers’ music for two decades.
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“Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, and 20 years of ‘Hot Fuss’!” Flowers exclaims, before sharing his personal story of moving to Vegas at 16 and betting his life on the three men who would later become his bandmates. The emotional connection is undeniable as the band launches into ‘Mr. Brightside’, a song that’s defined a whole generation of music fans.
The setlist takes fans on a chronological journey through ‘Hot Fuss’, with favourites ‘Smile Like You Mean It and ‘Somebody Told Me’. The quartet is then joined by touring members Ted Sablay and Jake Blanton, as well as singers Miranda Joan, Nicky Egan, and Erica Canales. Flowers pauses to thank Stoermer for joining the band all those years ago; a moment of gratitude before they dive into ‘All These Things That I’ve Done’, and seamlessly blend it into Elvis Presley’s ‘Burning Love’.
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From the neon stage setup to the vintage images of the city flashing behind the band, this show is a love letter to Las Vegas. Flowers’ vocals soar through tracks like ‘Andy You’re A Star’ and ‘On Top’, proving that the band is as strong as ever. Introducing ‘Change Your Mind’, Flowers recalls the band’s early days abroad, praising Keuning’s creativity for writing the song.
After a powerful drum solo from Vannucci Jr. and a Sinatra cover, the band delivers ‘Believe Me Natalie’ and ‘Midnight Show’, beforea heartfelt performance of ‘Everything Will Be Alright’, which is dedicated to Flowers’ wife. A rare performance of ‘Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll’ sends the crowd into a frenzy, with Flowers reflecting on the song’s satirical beginnings and his newfound joy for it.
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The ‘Hot Fuss’ set concludes, but The Killers return with ‘Sam’s Town’ and continue with hits like ‘Read My Mind’, ‘Caution’, and ‘Runaways’. A surprise performance of ‘Uncle Johnny’ – a track last played live in 2016, catches the crowd off guard, but it’s Flowers’ dedication of ‘A Dustland Fairytale’ to his late mother that tugs at heartstrings. The venue glows with thousands of mobile phone lights; a tribute to both Flowers’ mother and the glittering neon of the Vegas Strip outside.
The night ends with ‘When You Were Young’, bringing the show to a triumphant close. As fans leave the venue, there’s a shared sense of awe – this residency is not just a celebration of ‘Hot Fuss’, but a testament to The Killers’ breathtaking legacy, their fans, and their eternal connection to their Las Vegas home.
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Words: Samantha Hall
Photography: Chris Phelps
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