American Band The Killers Apologizes for Controversial Show in Georgia
Aug 16 (Reuters) – The Killers, an American alternative-rock band, has issued an apology after their recent show in Georgia sparked backlash. During the performance, the band invited a Russian drummer on stage and referred to their fans as “brothers and sisters,” which prompted boos from the audience.
Georgia, a country with a long history of tension with Russia, was further aggravated by Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the subsequent influx of Russian emigrants escaping their country.
The Killers, who have been nominated for the Grammy Awards seven times, performed in the Black Sea resort of Batumi as part of their European tour.
In a statement on their Facebook page, the band said, “Good people of Georgia, it was never our intention to offend anyone!” They explained that inviting people to play the drums on stage has been a longstanding tradition for the band. However, they acknowledged that their comment, meant to suggest that all the Killers’ audience and fans are “brothers and sisters,” could be misconstrued.
The band leader, Brandon Flowers, addressed the crowd, saying he did not want the situation to turn “angry” and added, “I see you as my brothers and my sisters.” Videos published by the Russian state RIA news agency showed the audience responding with boos and whistles, and some people leaving the show.
Georgian public opinion tends to be overwhelmingly pro-Ukrainian, which likely contributed to the negative reaction from the audience.
The Killers, who formed in Las Vegas in the early 2000s, have sold millions of albums and have had numerous chart-topping songs.
(This story has been refiled to correct the spelling of “Georgia” in paragraph 1)
Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Warsaw; Editing by Clarence Fernandez
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