The Killers at the M.E.N. Arena

Mark, Gordana, Steph and I went to see the Killers at the M.E.N. Arena last night. Steph’s quickdraw mouse finger had scored us the tickets which sold out in seconds. I got Mark’s ticket as his 30^th birthday present. I thought it would do him good to listen to some of that rock and roll that ‘kids today’ enjoy.

After an unremarkable support band who were too heavy for Steph’s liking, the Killers came on at 9ish. They didn’t waste much time on audience interaction (lead singer Brandon Flowers didn’t seem to know what to say) and pressed on with a selection of songs from their debut album Hot Fuss and their new album Sam’s Town.

I’ve been a bit indifferent to Sam’s Town and a couple of dodgy performances on television meant I didn’t expect great things from Flowers’ vocals. I was pleasantly surprised. What he lacks with hit and miss pitching he makes up for in power and an animated presence on stage. Their songs lend themselves to live venues with plenty of bits that the crowd were singing along to.

I’ve got soul but I’m not a soldier.

I also have a badge, but I’m not a badger.

They sang a Joy Division song as part of their encore, which thanks to Google and my recollection of a few lyrics I have identified as “Shadowplay”. I read they have recorded it for “Control”, a biopic of the band’s front man Ian Curtis.

There was a great buzz in the (packed) arena and I think Sam’s Town may grow on me yet. Steph has lent it to me along with Costello Music by the Fratellis - homework because we’re seeing them tomorrow night at the Apollo