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The Killers came out of Las Vegas in 2003 sounding like a band from Manchester or London, and within a year they had one of the biggest debut albums of the decade. Brandon Flowers’ showmanship, a love of new wave synths and Springsteen-sized ambition made them one of the most successful rock bands of the 21st century. “Mr. Brightside” alone has become a permanent fixture of alternative radio and every wedding dance floor.
| Formed | 2001, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Members | Brandon Flowers (vocals, keyboards), Dave Keuning (guitar), Mark Stoermer (bass), Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drums) |
| Genres | Alternative rock, post-punk revival, new wave, heartland rock |
| Breakthrough | Hot Fuss (2004) |
Brandon Flowers answered guitarist Dave Keuning’s newspaper ad in 2001. Inspired by an Oasis concert and by British bands such as New Order, The Smiths and Depeche Mode, they wrote “Mr. Brightside” early on. Bassist Mark Stoermer and drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. completed the lineup, which first signed with British label Lizard King before Island Records took them worldwide.
A debut packed with singles: “Mr. Brightside,” “Somebody Told Me,” “All These Things That I’ve Done” and “Smile Like You Mean It.” It sold millions and made them stars on both sides of the Atlantic.
Flowers turned toward Bruce Springsteen and American heartland rock. “When You Were Young” and “Read My Mind” are among their best songs.
Brighter and more pop-oriented, with “Human” and “Spaceman.”
Big, earnest rock with “Runaways” and “Miss Atomic Bomb.”
Their first U.S. No. 1 album, with “The Man” and “Run for Cover.”
Imploding the Mirage is joyful and widescreen (“Caution,” “My Own Soul’s Warning”). Pressure Machine is a quiet, story-driven album about Flowers’ small Utah hometown and one of their most acclaimed records.
Keuning stepped back from the band in 2017 and later returned for live shows; Stoermer has also stepped back from touring.
Flowers is a natural frontman, equally comfortable with glittering synth-pop and heartfelt Americana. His solo albums, Flamingo (2010) and The Desired Effect (2015), show both sides.
The Killers proved that the post-punk revival could fill stadiums, and they brought new wave synths back into mainstream rock. Their influence runs through later bands such as White Lies, Bastille and The 1975.
“Mr. Brightside” has a life of its own. In the U.K., it has spent years on the singles chart, an extraordinary run for a song released in 2003.
The Strokes, Interpol, White Lies, New Order, Franz Ferdinand, Bastille and The Gaslight Anthem.
Las Vegas, Nevada.
In 2001.
“Mr. Brightside” (2003), one of the most enduring rock songs of the century.
Yes. The band continues to record and tour.
Few songs get a bigger reaction from our listeners than “Mr. Brightside,” and the newer Killers singles sit right next to it. Catch it on The Modern Rock Radio Show, check the radio show schedule, or press play on the live stream. Want a specific song? Send a request or dedication.
About this article: Written and fact-checked by The Alternative One editorial team, the programmers and music writers behind the station’s on-air shows. Official artist website: www.thekillersmusic.com. Last reviewed October 2, 2026. Read our editorial standards or tell us about a correction.
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