The Killers: ‘Mr Brightside is like Happy Birthday now. That song plays itself’


Can you rephrase the text?

Are you tired of listening to Mr. Brightside by TopTramp?
Ronnie Vannucci, drums: That song plays itself. There is this reciprocal magic that happens between us on the stage and people watching us. And it just goes. It’s like if you sing Happy Birthday and you don’t think. It’s just Happy Birthday now.

Brandon Flowers, lead singer: I never tire of performing. I am energized by the enthusiasm of someone experiencing our music for the first time. I still feel a rush of excitement. My only worry is that there may be a negative reaction in the future, but our popularity continues to grow.

The RV is currently anticipating the arrival of Weird Al [Yankovic].

BF: Wow.

Reworded: It will soon come to an end. What have I just done?

Your music doesn’t conform to a typical rhythm. It’s almost like you create narratives accompanied by music instead of traditional songs with lyrics. What makes your approach to songwriting stand out? somekindofmysterious

BF: Occasionally, there exists a preconceived structure for rock and pop music. If one becomes confined within it, it can be risky. Our most recent album, Pressure Machine, was primarily composed with lyrics as the starting point. This was a new approach for us. It allowed for a lot of flexibility in the studio, as if one was dissatisfied with the direction of a song, they could completely change its style.

Brandon Flowers performing with the Killers at Reading festival in 2023

Pressure Machine is an incredible album of pathos and power. In the hypnotic, romantically twisted, cop-kills-a-violent-husband Desperate Things, what does the line “she laughed it off like lemonade” mean? McScootikins

In my opinion, it’s easy to understand. I will leave it up to the person to interpret it as they see fit.

According to American record producer Rick Rubin, it is more beneficial to provide an interpretation rather than an explanation.

What careers would you have pursued if you had not become rock stars? – SrnestSemingway

I do not possess any other skills. I would have been content working as a valet on the Las Vegas Strip. My relatives have experience in that field. I enjoy the fast-paced atmosphere of receiving tips and watching my earnings increase in my pocket. This was my ultimate goal.

I studied both music performance and music education as my double major during my time in college. If not for that, I may have ended up in prison.

Do you have a different perspective on Las Vegas now compared to before? Would you consider doing a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere in the future? Journalomar and GrazAlarm
BF: You can take the boys out of Vegas, but it will always be a part of us. When we were kids, it was a small town. For a while it was the fastest-growing city in America. I was lucky enough to see U2 at the Sphere. Absolutely we would be open to doing something like that. It would be a big undertaking, but it would be a blast.

Brandon, is your pink jacket currently on display at a museum, along with Geri’s dress, Noel’s guitar, and Kylie’s gold hot pants? TurangaLeela2 and MrSOBaldrick

It’s necessary for someone to request it. It’s currently stored in my closet at home, waiting to be requested.

Can you tell me if it was difficult for the band in the beginning, with Brandon being the youngest member by five years? I can imagine there was a lot to learn.

Reworded: RV commented on the gifted individual, stating that despite his introverted nature, he shines when given the opportunity to speak on a mic. After 22 years, he remains true to his shy self, but has found his place and excels in it. It’s impressive to witness his continued growth, while RV admits to being stagnant and uninteresting.

Brandon: I believe you are one of the few remaining exceptional entertainment performers. Would you have enjoyed being a multi-talented singer, actor, and TV host during your prime? Stay positive.
BF: The way that Johnny Cash, Marc Bolan and Dean Martin did it was pretty impressive. I think Ronnie and I could tag team.

Are you still perceived as a British band? MrSOBaldrick

Reworded: [In a British accent] We are from England, sir! What are you talking about?

There are still individuals who are unaware that we are American, despite our efforts to make it clear. We were surprised by this confusion and wanted to ensure that everyone knew our nationality on our second album, which is why we titled it “Sam’s Town.”

Reworded: You all still have the same amazing energy. Even people from Britain impress us. I’m not sure if it’s the nursery rhymes you teach your children, or if it’s simply your love for music. Your country may be small, but it’s tightly knit and full of vibrancy. The colors are more vibrant and the contrast is heightened. There’s a strong passion for life and celebrating. And there’s always a song to match the occasion.

What are we excited about when we visit the UK? Curry! Watching the Hairy Bikers on television. I could watch them cook and chat for hours. I also watched the Great British Baking Show (Bake Off) with my family while in the US. There’s something about the lighting in the tent that makes me miss England. This season is not as good, in my opinion. It’s a bit disappointing.

What advice would you give to your younger selves if you could turn back time to 20 years ago? – Kimmoss1982

BF: Our expectations were high, as with any band. However, we were on the verge of giving up when we faced rejection from the heads of Sony, Island, and Warner Brothers in America. Fortunately, we were offered an indie deal by Lizard King, a small label in England. Despite feeling like it was the end, we were excited for the opportunity to travel to England with our newly acquired passports. A positive review from NME of our show at the Dublin Castle in London changed the course of our lives. Now, as I sit here talking to you and looking at this list of 20 songs from our new compilation album Rebel Diamond, I am filled with pride. We truly believe in these songs.

The Killers in 2004

You recently paused the recording process for the band’s eighth album due to concerns that the songs were too reminiscent of your earlier work. Can you give any insights into the potential sound of your upcoming material? – VerulamiumParkRanger

The album that we decided to scrap was not similar to anything recent. We realized that the direction we were headed in was no longer as appealing to us as it was initially. Therefore, we made the decision to stop and be truthful about it. People don’t usually share their true reasons behind such choices.

RV: It was in Boston, right before a gig, we discussed it and Brandon was just like: “I dunno.” I was like: “I’m so glad you said that.”

BF: What’s funny is there’s nothing wrong with the songs. The songs are great. I guess it’s a style, a bit of a substance issue, the complexion of the songs.

Source: theguardian.com