The Killers at the Hammersmith Apollo

Having sold millions of records, performed global tours, played to sold-out stadiums and released their first greatest hits album, The Killers celebrate by playing a one-off concert in London, the city that believed in them and made them famous back in 2003 when they were an upcoming indie band from Las Vegas.

The set begins with the brilliant new single Shot at the Night, produced by Anthony Gonzalez of M83. An emotional mid-tempo number, it’s got the epic traits that characterise the group’s sound.

After playing 2004 hit Somebody Told Me and Day & Age upbeat track Spaceman, a visibly moved Brandon Flowers addresses the crowd: “There’s something in the air tonight. We’ve been coming here for ten years, and you were the first ones to make us feel worth it. Damn, you gave us the confidence that we could do anything.”

It’s very difficult to stay quiet when this band, who have put together so many international hits with just four albums, are on stage; not even the gallery audience can remain seated during Human, Runaways, All These Things That I’ve Done, the brilliant cover of Joy Division’s Shadowplay and fan-favourite Jenny Was a Friend of Mine from debut album Hot Fuss.

Although the show is captivating and thrilling, perhaps what disappoints is that The Killers could use this special occasion to do something special: fans expect them to play way more than 16 songs and to feature some of those that are usually neglected from the setlist – especially when the ticket costs £50. Not even Just Another Girl, one of the two new songs from their greatest hits, is performed.

Nevertheless, any negative thoughts are washed away by the power and magnificence of When You Were Young and set-closer Mr Brightside.

Filippo L’Astorina, the Editor

For further information about The Killers or to order Direct Hits visit here.

Watch the video for Shot at the Night here: