With nine studio, live and compilation albums under their belt, along with way too many singles to count, The Killers have clearly made their mark in the rock world since their original formation in 2001 — not to mention the four multi-platinum accolades. Considering that kind of success, it’s hard to imagine The Killers before all of the praise and awards. However, as with every success story, that time existed for the alternative rock band. In fact, it lasted a couple of years as founding members Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning not only had to find the right band members, but also the right record label.
Ever wonder why the Las Vegas natives are so popular in the UK? Well, in addition to their British pop-like sound, the band was originally signed to a UK label following limited success in their United States' label run. After signing the deal in the summer of 2003, the band traveled to and from the UK, often playing shows in between recording sessions.
One of those shows occurred exactly sixteen years ago at The Dublin Castle in London on September 16, 2003 - exactly 16 years ago. The Castle is an Irish inspired pub and music joint that often hosts indie rock bands. With a capacity of only about one-hundred, it’s hard to imagine this small pub would have much influence. However, playing at The Castle is a big deal in London as legendary musicians like Amy Winehouse were regular visitors or performers.
For The Killers, The Dublin Castle has a few major memories attached to it as they live debuted four songs off of their first studio album Hot Fuss, which wouldn’t be released until nearly a year later in 2004.
On their short six-song setlist, “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine,” “On Top,” “Somebody Told Me” and “Smile Like You Mean It” were all performed live for the first time ever to a crowd of less than one-hundred people. Talk about being in the right place at the right time.
Following the completion of the album in November, 2003, The Killers began their tour journey, opening up for big names like Stellastarr and Morrissey before kicking off their first headlining tour in May, 2004.
The Hot Fuss Tour would run for nearly two years in support of The Killers’ debut album. Over that period of time, the indie-inspired rockers played over three-hundred shows including numerous festival sets across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. They even had the chance to support U2 on a few dates of their Vertigo Tour, playing their first stadium shows less than a year after the release of their debut album.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any existing videos of The Killers’ original Dublin Castle set, however check out these performances of "Mr. Brightside" on Top of the Pops and "Somebody Told Me" on the Late Show with David Letterman from 2004 to get a glimpse at The Killers before their popularity soared.
Although they’re not currently on tour, The Killers have a few upcoming one-off festival dates in the midst of recording an upcoming album. Check out all of their upcoming shows below and grab your tickets at LiveNation!
The Killers 2019 Upcoming Shows
09/19 – Bethlehem, PA @ Wind Creek Event Center
09/21 – Franklin, TN @ Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
11/23-24 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Riptide Festival
12/01 – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates @ F1 Abu Dhabi
