1. The Killers is an Ame… Read Full Bio ↴There are multiple artists using this name:
1. The Killers is an American rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2001.
They got the name from the fictional band The Killers in the video for New Order's song Crystal.
As of 2021, the band has released six studio albums, which have sold 28 million records worldwide.
The Early Years
Initially, The Killers played at large clubs in Las Vegas. With the band's line-up stable and their repertoire of songs expanding, the band began to attract attention from talent bookers, local agents, major label, scouts — and a UK representative for Warner Bros. Though the Warner Bros representative passed on the band, he took the demo back with him, showing it to a friend who worked at UK (London-based) indie label Lizard King Records (now Marrakesh Records). The Killers then signed in the summer of 2002 to a British label.
Hot Fuss
They released their debut album Hot Fuss on June 2004 in the United Kingdom and US (on Island Records). Their first single was Somebody Told Me. The band also had chart success with their singles Mr. Brightside, which reached the Top 10 in the UK when released, and All These Things That I've Done.
Sam's Town
The band started recording its second album, Sam's Town, on February 15, 2006, at The Palms Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas. It was released on October 2006.
The first single, When You Were Young debuted on radio stations in late July 2006. In late August 2006, it was offered as a downloadable track before the album's debut. The single then entered the chart on downloads alone at #5, and the following week on its official release went to #2 in the UK.
The video clip of the second single, Bones, was directed by Tim Burton.
The third single was Read My Mind. The video for it was filmed in Tokyo, Japan.
The last one was For Reasons Unknown, released in June, 2007.
The album sold over 700,000 copies worldwide in the first week of release, with a No. 2 debut on the United World chart.
Sawdust Compilation
The compilation album Sawdust, containing B-sides, rarities, and some new material, was released on November 12, 2007.
The album's first single Tranquilize, a collaboration with Lou Reed, was released on October 2007. The band also released their cover of Joy Division's song Shadowplay on the U.S. iTunes Store. The album contains songs Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town (a The First Edition cover), Romeo and Juliet (a Dire Straits cover), and a new version of Move Away (previously available on the Spider-Man 3 soundtrack). One of the tracks on Sawdust is Leave the Bourbon On The Shelf, the first but previously unreleased part of the so called Murder Trilogy, in which it is followed by Midnight Show then Jenny Was a Friend of Mine.
(Red) Christmas EP
In 2006 Songfacts reported that The Killers were recognized for their work with Bono's Product Red campaign, which is dedicated to fighting AIDS in Africa.
In the same year they have released their first Christmas themed song and music video, A Great Big Sled in aid of the charity, followed by Don't Shoot Me Santa on December 1, 2007.
Their festive tunes have subsequently became an annual event and (Red) Christmas EP intended to raise money for the Product Red campaign on November 29, 2011.
Day & Age
The third album Day & Age was released on 25th November 2008 (24th November for the UK).
The album's first single Human was debuted on 22nd September and on the 30th September, the single was made available on iTunes, with many radio DJ's suggesting it was the best single by The Killers yet.
Killers frontman Brandon Flowers said (in December 2008) that he thinks that his band "will be bigger than U2 eventually, and sooner than you might think". He told The Daily Telegraph that "U2 are unbelievable, but they're getting old. It feels like it's time".
The album was reviewed at Silent Soundwaves.
Battle Born
The band was on hiatus, but returned to the studio to record their fourth studio album in early 2011. Songfacts reported that Runaways, the first single from the new album, was released on July 10, 2012.
The Killers' fourth studio album, Battle Born, was released on 18 September 2012.
It took 15 months to record it. The band began working on it after they took a touring break for a little over a year. The album had five producers, with The Killers producing one song by themselves, The Rising Tide.
The debut single was Runaways, followed by Miss Atomic Bomb and Here with Me.
Wonderful Wonderful
In 2015, Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning began to discuss recording a fifth studio album. The band recorded the album between September 2016 and May 2017, with production by Jacknife Lee. Band members Dave Keuning and Mark Stoermer both announced that they would take a break from touring. The Killers' fifth studio album, Wonderful Wonderful, was released on September 22, 2017, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200. Stoermer
Imploding the Mirage
On November 15, 2019, the Killers announced their sixth studio album titled Imploding the Mirage for a Spring 2020 release. On March 12, 2020, the album's lead single "Caution" was released, featuring a guitar solo by former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. Buckingham said of the band, "There’s such a strong center to what they’re doing. Their material is so well crafted that it cuts across a lot of generational lines." Brandon Flowers also confirmed that guitarist Dave Keuning was still on hiatus and did not participate in recording the album. On April 25, 2020, "Caution" reached number one on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart, setting a record of 13 years and 6 months since the band's last number-one song on the chart.
The Killers' sixth studio album, " Imploding the Mirage" was released on August 21, 2020. It debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200.
Influences
Much of The Killers' music is based on British influences and on the music of the 1980s, particularly New Wave. Flowers has also said in interviews that the larger-than-life sound of many of the band's songs is due to the influence of living in Las Vegas, a city where everything is about flash and who can top whom. They appreciate post-punk bands that sprang up during the 80's such as Joy Division, and they are also avowed fans of New Order (with whom Flowers has performed live), Pet Shop Boys, Dire Straits, David Bowie, The Smiths, Morrissey, Depeche Mode, U2, Queen, Oasis and The Beatles. Their second album was said to be greatly influenced by Bruce Springsteen's music and lyrics.
Their line-up is:
Brandon Flowers (vocals, keyboards),
Dave Keuning (guitar, backing vocals),
Mark Stoermer (bass guitar, backing vocals),
Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drums, percussion).
2. The Killers was an Uruguayan rock band from the early 1970s which released an album Good Bye in 1972.
3. The Killers was an American hardcore band from Chicago, IL, from the 1990s founded by former members of Charles Bronson.
They released records on Hater of God and Gloom, and had split records with A.P.B. & 9 Shocks Terror.
Reminds of Behead The Prophet No Lord Shall Live meets The Oath.
4. The Killers (aka Insanity and The Killers) was an American band from Cleveland, Ohio. They released one 7″ on Huh? Oh? in 1981.
5. The Killers was a British punk rock band from England formed in 1977 (though released their first 7", I Don't Care, as Joe Cool & The Killers).
In 1978 they released their one and only album called Killer; by then they had dropped the Joe Cool and released the record under this name.
6. The Killers was a Brazilian garage rock band that released one album in 1964 titled The Killers. The band members were João Bosco (drums), Luiz Carlos (bass guitar), João Carlos (lead guitar), and Gustavo (rhythm guitar)
The Ballad of Michael Valentine
The Killers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Soul Sister won't you take a ride in his car
Late to call
When you wanted to be all
Baby don't be so shy
Rock children hold your heads up high
In the night while I try
You got it bad, but you know it's true
I caught up with a friend in Dallas
We took a trip to New Orleans
Those black-eyed ladies
Won't say they're sorry
We finally caught a train to Memphis
Where everybody talks the same
Those blue suede babies
All know my name
And I said hold tight
Can't you see it's hurting me
But I've got the buzz
Like Marlon Brando
Michael Valentine, can't we unite?
We ended up in North Dakota
Although my heart's in Mexico
My
All went to Soho
With your new suit, and your black tie
Hold on, you're just a gambling man, all proper like
I broke to the right and I caught your eye
Shut your mouth and wave goodbye
Tonight, I ain't gonna let you rain on this parade
And I said hold tight
Can't you see it's hurting me
But I've got the buzz
Like Marlon Brando
Straight faced with misery tonight
And I will not lie when I say I ain't cold no more
But I've got the buzz
Like Greta Garbo
Walking forwards in the sun
And I've got a cold tale left to write
Well uh oh
I know he's gonna be there tonight
The Ballad of Michael Valentine by The Killers is a complex and multi-layered song that, on the surface, appears to be about a man named Michael, who is elusive and charming, but difficult to pin down. The first verse immediately sets the scene, with Michael playing with stars and a Soul Sister being invited to take a ride in his car. It then goes on to reference someone who is late to call, indicating that Michael may have a fickle nature or is unreliable in some way. The chorus then goes on to encourage listeners to hold their heads up high, even when times are tough or the situation is difficult.
The second verse is a little more mysterious, with references to a trip to New Orleans and a train journey to Memphis, where everyone talks the same. It could be interpreted that Michael is a traveler who moves from place to place, leaving a trail of admirers behind him. The bridge of the song then begs Michael to unite with the singer, but it is unclear if Michael is a real person or a figment of the singer's imagination.
The final verse adds to the complexity of the song, with a reference to North Dakota, Mexico, and Soho. It appears that the singer is also a traveler, but one who is perhaps searching for something more concrete than Michael's elusive charm. The final lines of the song suggest a determination to move forward and write a new chapter in the singer's life, with or without Michael's presence.
Overall, The Ballad of Michael Valentine is a song that celebrates the beauty of the unknown, the excitement of travel, and the need to be true to oneself, even in the face of uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Michael plays with stars
Michael is a dreamer and likes to aim high.
Soul Sister won't you take a ride in his car
Michael is charming and tries to woo his love interest with a car ride.
Late to call
Michael is not prompt and delays communication.
When you wanted to be all
Michael neglects his love interest when she wants attention.
Baby don't be so shy
Michael encourages his love interest to be confident and bold.
Rock children hold your heads up high
Michael supports the youth culture and encourages them to be proud.
In the night while I try
Michael uses music to channel his creativity and emotions.
And tell the ballad of Valentine
Michael shares his story through music and the ballad is about him.
You got it bad, but you know it's true
Michael acknowledges that love can hurt but he still believes in it.
I caught up with a friend in Dallas
Michael meets up with a friend in Dallas for an adventure.
We took a trip to New Orleans
Michael and his friend travel to New Orleans for fun.
Those black-eyed ladies
Michael encounters mysterious women with dark eyes.
Won't say they're sorry
These women are not remorseful for their actions.
We finally caught a train to Memphis
Michael and his friend board a train to Memphis.
Where everybody talks the same
Michael notes a strong sense of community in Memphis.
Those blue suede babies
Michael meets fashionable individuals dressed in blue suede.
All know my name
Michael has gained notoriety in Memphis.
And I said hold tight
Michael urges someone to remain steadfast and not lose hope.
Can't you see it's hurting me
Michael reveals that someone's actions are causing him pain.
But I've got the buzz
Despite the pain, Michael feels alive and full of energy.
Like Marlon Brando
Michael compares himself to an iconic Hollywood actor for his charisma and confidence.
Michael Valentine, can't we unite?
Michael longs to connect with his love interest despite their differences.
Although my heart's in Mexico
Michael feels a sense of longing for a different place.
My all went to Soho
Michael's dreams and aspirations led him to Soho.
With your new suit, and your black tie
Michael describes a well-dressed man with sophistication.
Hold on, you're just a gambling man, all proper like
Michael warns this man that he's taking risks in a respectable way.
I broke to the right and I caught your eye
Michael catches the attention of this man in a rebellious way.
Shut your mouth and wave goodbye
Michael dismisses the man and tells him to leave him alone.
Tonight, I ain't gonna let you rain on this parade
Michael is taking control of the night and won't let anyone dampen his spirits.
Straight faced with misery tonight
Despite his confidence, Michael is still feeling unhappy and sad.
And I will not lie when I say I ain't cold no more
Michael is opening up about his feelings and is no longer guarded.
But I've got the buzz
Michael feels energized and lively despite his emotions.
Like Greta Garbo
Michael compares himself to another Hollywood star for his mystique and allure.
Walking forwards in the sun
Michael is moving forward in life and is hopeful for the future.
And I've got a cold tale left to write
Michael has more stories and experiences to share through his music.
Well uh oh
Michael is expressing surprise or concern about something that is about to happen.
I know he's gonna be there tonight
Michael anticipates someone's arrival with uncertainty and unease.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brandon Flowers, Dave Brent Keuning, Mark August Stoermer, Ronnie Jr. Vannucci
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Patty Theiss
on Mr. Brightside
Ed sharron