It’s Indie Rock n Roll For Me

Last night, (June 22nd 2024) I made the trip to Manchesters newest gig venue, Co-Op Live to watch a band I’ve never seen before. A band from Fabulous, Las Vegas Nevada. The Killers.

It was the bands final Manchester show of the ‘Rebel Diamonds’ tour. A show that saw the band embrace a 20 year back catalogue, which each era of the band getting a run out.

Opening the show with the ‘Sam’s Town’ classic ‘Read My Mind’ it was a sign of intent from the band, it was going to be wall to wall bangers from here on in.

‘Read My Mind’ is one of my favourite songs by the band, and it’s mid paced nature made for an interesting opening. The 20,000 strong Manchester crowd belted out every word like their lives depended on it though.

‘Somebody Told Me’ and ‘Spaceman’ followed really upping the speed of the show, these songs have become ingrained in British culture and are cornerstones of every Killers set. The nature of this show being a celebration of 20 years of the band. Meant that they got an early run out. I mean they had a lot of songs to get through. 

‘Hot Fuss’ got quite a run out with 6 songs being played from that album. Including ‘Jenny Was A Friend of Mine’ and a tour debut for ‘Glamorous Indie Rock n Roll’ which received a rapturous reception, we also learnt that it’s Liam Gallaghers favourite Killers song. We also learnt what Noel’s is but that comes later. 

It was a set of brilliant songs, even the lesser known songs were sung back to the band like the fans lives depended on it. ‘Shot at the Night’ in particular was a real highlight, with the crowd swaying in unison. ‘A Dustland Fairytale’ was a real moment for me, it’s my favourite song by the band, and it made for a perfect mid set song. Lyrically brilliant and a real show stopper. 

The shows production was brilliant, with a diamond stage, brilliant lights, lasers and pyrotechnics. Huge screens behind the band projected city scapes, baron deserts and starry skies. It was a visual spectacle as well as a musical one.

As a band The Killers have been operating at the highest level for a long time. Last night proved that. Perfectly blending songs, ‘Be Still’ followed ‘A Dustland Fairytale’ and it worked perfectly. The segued ‘Rut’ into ‘Caution’ two very different songs, and yet it worked perfectly. 

The main set ended with two heavy hitters. Noel Gallaghers favourite Killers song ‘All These Things I’ve Done’ which in turn led to a mass sing along. In the verses, and the bridge. With 20,000 people simultaneously chanting ‘I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier.’ Back at the boys from Vegas. 

Following that up would be a difficult task but when you’ve got a song as good as ‘When You Were Young’ waiting in the wings. It makes that job a little bit easier. Another mass sing along ensued and everyone knew their roles.

These songs have become part of the furniture in Britain. Last night was the fourth night in Manchester. The band have still got five nights at the O2 in London to play, The Killers are still one of the biggest bands in the world. In Britain we’ve almost adopted them. They may be from Las Vegas but they’re brits at heart. 

A five song encore followed, which included two newer songs. ‘Your Side of Town’ and ‘Boy’ which slowed things down a little, the crowd began to become a bit flatter. After what had happened previously.

A cover of Erasures ‘A Little Respect’ won the crowd back over. I thought it was a good move by the band. ‘Boy’ has a lot of similarities with the Erasure track. The synth lines in both are virtually the same. 

Carrying on with the synth theme. ‘Human’ was the penultimate track of the evenings proceedings. 

One of the bands best live efforts, and some of the best lyrics they've ever written. It sounds brilliant live.

All rise for the national anthem… 

Ending the set was ‘Mr Brightside’ a song that has endured 20 years, and is literally part of British culture. Its lyrics are engrained in peoples being. A song that is still in the Top 100, a song that has 2 billion plays on Spotify.

Hearing it live was special, people collectively lost their minds. The standing section swayed and jumped. Those in the seats stood, hugged, danced and kissed. I just stood and watched. Sometimes at gigs, there a moments that will stick with you forever, having been to quite a few, I've got a fair few moments. Some gigs you get none, others you may get one. Last night gave me a few. 

It was one of the best gigs I've ever been too. Sitting here writing this. I'm sat thinking. Why did I not see them sooner? 

What a performance, what a band. 

Thank you for reading