The Killers and Johnny Marr Enthrall Saint Paul

Last updated on September 23rd, 2022 at 12:51 pm

Las Vegas based rock group The Killers returned to Saint Paul for the first time in over four years. Touring alongside Johnny Marr of The Smiths, the night was an enthralling experience of nostalgia driven sound.

Since rising to prominence in 2004, lead singer Brandon Flowers and the group have been the defining rock group of the last two decades. Their smash hits such as “When You Were Young” and “Mr. Brightside” are iconic.

Over the course of seven records in the last 15+ years, The Killers have never made a bad album, at least in my opinion. Each of their records builds on the last as they expand on their unique qualities. Their nostalgic energy makes for unforgettable late summer nights like this one.

Setting the stage with “My Own Soul’s Warning” off their 2020 record Imploding the Mirage, the band tore into some of their most loved hits in succession, the highlight for me being “Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine.” This being my first time seeing them, I knew this song would explode in a live setting. I was not disappointed.

Newer tracks such as “boy” and “Pressure Machine” also stood out. Brandon Flowers’ suave and confident performance, mixed with studio rich vocals, were captivating. Additionally, strong guitar solos, amazing visuals, and confetti canons helped maintain the energy in the arena.

Recently coming off seeing two other huge shows last week, Panic! At The Disco and My Chemical Romance, I found myself comparing the shows heavily. While My Chemical Romance was stunning and Panic! At The Disco had great vocals and pyro, The Killers truly stand out in terms of their raw talent.

Both coming from Las Vegas, I joked to my friends that Brandon Flowers of The Killers is everything Brendon Urie wishes he was. Jokes aside, I love both groups and I am manifesting a Killers! At The Disco co-headliner one day.

Supporting The Killers on this tour is Johnny Marr of The Smiths. Sonically, The Killers have always been compared to the legendary group. It only made sense for Johnny Marr to join them on this tour. The audience was just as hyped for him as they were for the headliners.

Johnny Marr is a one-in-a million musician. It was a privilege to see him live. He even joined Brandon Flowers and the group on stage during the encore.

The show was impressive, right to closing crowd pleaser “Mr. Brightside.” That said, I hope to see the band perform outdoors one day. I feel like The Killers live at Surly Brewing Field would be a dream show.