Because of the huge amount of fame the Killers have received, it’s easy to forget they’ve only been together for about six years, and in the public eye for just four. Flowers says he’s still adjusting to the bright light that shines on every element of the band, from what he says right down to how they dress.
“I’m still getting used to the media and how far something that comes out of my mouth can travel,” he says. “The last thing that’s on your mind when you’re writing songs and playing music is the way you’re going to be perceived in the public eye; the way that people will react to what you’re wearing. At least for me, I don’t ever think of that as a consideration. It’s always a shock to me that it’s shocking to other people.”
As the very polite 27-year-old continues to casually answer questions as he admires the Las Vegas sunset before him, he completely demystifies the idea that he’s a conceited frontman; a belief that’s developed out of his electric but seemingly egotistical stage presence.
“That’s something that’s come actually over time, and it comes from being a fan of music. I grew up going to see Morrissey, and he absolutely owned every soul and every set of eyes in the room as soon as he walked on the stage. I don’t think that’s arrogant—it’s something that I admire.”
Instead of having a big ego, Flowers appears modest and grounded, and he doesn’t take the band’s success for granted. He also has a strong vein of innocence in him, which is refreshing and rare for a musician of his calibre.
“I want to earn it (success). I want to feel like I’ve earned it, so I constantly write songs. It’s funny how it’s a matter of the right person finding us or coming to see a show. If they wouldn’t have come, hell, we may still be here trying to play bars, or we would have broken up by now. I just feel really grateful.”
Currently touring Day & Age around the states and Canada, Flowers says the big and beautiful elements of Vegas definitely come across in their live show, and he guarantees fans will feel returns on their investments.
“There’s a lot of optimism in the air, but it’s a tough time right now, and we’re going to make sure people have a good time when they come and see the Killers. We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves,” he says. “We want to make it worth their while. We love what we do, and we put a lot into it. It really is coming from our hearts and souls, this music.”
The Killers perform at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 25. For more info, visit thekillersmusic.com
Photo Credit: Torey Mundkowsky
