Photo by: Chris Phelps
Manchester’s newest arena, the Co-Op Live, welcomed 23,000 eager fans on Tuesday night for the first of four shows by the American rock band The Killers, promising an evening of bombast, flamboyance, and bonafide bangers. Despite initial frustrations with access, the arena itself was a marvel once inside, offering excellent views and acoustics that ensured every note resonated perfectly, ensuring the venue left a great first impression.
Opening the night, Travis delivered a heartfelt and engaging performance that set the perfect tone for the evening. The Scottish band, known for their melodic tunes and emotional lyrics, effortlessly connected with the audience. Their set included sing-alongs and poignant moments, particularly with ‘Closer’, which had the crowd raising their phone torches in a touching tribute to absent friends. A busking-style rendition of ‘Flowers In The Window’ showcased the band’s vulnerable side, with all members gathered at the front of the stage singing along, but it was their iconic hit ‘Why Does It Always Rain On Me’ that truly captivated the audience. As the familiar chords filled the arena, the collective cheer from the fans highlighted the song’s enduring popularity and emotional impact.
When The Killers took the stage, the energy surged. Brandon Flowers strutted about the stage in a sparkly suit, bringing a slice of Las Vegas pizzazz to cloudy old Manchester, practically shining beneath the spotlight. They kicked off with ‘Read My Mind’ from Sam’s Town, before diving into their treasure trove of songs, delivering hit after hit. Up next was a scintillating version of ‘Somebody Told Me’ (Hot Fuss, 2004), indicating their serious intent for the night by starting strong with such an iconic track. Flowers continued at 100mph as he took the audience through the cosmos with ‘Spaceman’ (Day and Age, 2008), and his declaration, “Who ordered a good time? We’re The Killers and that’s our specialty,” before launching into ‘Jenny Was A Friend of Mine’, which ignited one of many massive sing-alongs throughout the night.
The stage and backdrop were full of stunning visuals which paid homage to Las Vegas, where the band originally formed, enhancing their dynamic performance with stunning artwork that echoed the chaotic revelry of Sin City itself. Throughout the night, Flowers positioned himself at the front of the stage like a priest leading a congregation, with the crowd echoing his every word and gesture. All members of the band were in top form. It was nice to see guitarist Dave Keuning back with the band for the first time in seven years and Ronnie Vanucci Jr. continues to show he’s one of the most underrated drummers around, his intense performance often stealing the spotlight.
The setlist saw a perfect balance of tempo. After slowing things down in the set, Flowers and co ramp things up once again with ‘The Man’ (Wonderful, Wonderful, 2017), which has some exquisite-sounding riffs that sound even better live. Following that is a moving rendition dedicated to those who aren’t with us anymore with ‘Dustland Fairytale’ (Day and Age, 2008), dedicated to Flowers’ late mother. Everyone’s phones were held aloft with torches lighting up the entire room, showing off the sheer size of the venue. ‘Runaways’ was a highlight, despite a brief interruption, and the triumphant ‘All These Things I’ve Done’ kept the energy soaring. The night hit another peak with the raucous ‘When You Were Young’, cementing the band’s connection with the crowd.
‘Dying Breed’ (Imploding The Mirage, 2020) is one of the more understated gems on the setlist, gracefully concluding the main set before unleashing an unforgettable encore. The arena erupted with excitement as the Las Vegas outfit covered Erasure’s ‘A Little Respect’, setting the stage for an epic finale. The crowd was electrified by powerhouse performances of ‘Human’ (Day and Age, 2008) and the timeless anthem ‘Mr. Brightside’ (Hot Fuss, 2004), a song that has woven itself into the fabric of British culture over the past two decades, still prompting massive singalongs to this day. It’s undeniable—The Killers deliver an unmatched live experience, solidifying their status as the ultimate party band and leaving no doubt that catching them live is an absolute must.
Written by: Ellie Dawson
Photographed by: Chris Phelps
Edited by: Marieke Weeda
