In “Read My Mind” The Killers command “put your back on me,” and at this point, this is a call to the whole of rock ‘n roll. When was the last time you went to a rock show with laser lights, smoke, sparks, confetti – the whole nine yards? My guess is your answer is “Luke, it has been too long.”
That is The Killers. Down and dirty is great – rock was born in down and dirty from garages to dives, but an important part of rock was the evolution to ballrooms to arenas to stadiums. At some point, we lost touch with the fantastic spectacle and majesty of “shows” performed with blazing guitars and stage tricks. No surprise it takes a band for Las Vegas to remind us of the fun and glamour rock can offer. While this photo is exaggerated due to my seat and lack of iPhone, I still love it.
Prior to The Killers performance at Madison Square Garden, I wasn’t feeling prepared. It was a Tuesday night, I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear loud music and deal with crowds, and I honestly had my doubts about the band. And then, just like that, I was so happy I was there, as well as disappointed for ever doubting I should have been anywhere else. With all lights fully up, and “Eminence Front” blasting, The Killers took the stage and launched into “Mr. Brightside” like a Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain at Little Round Top.
That is how you make an entrance, and from there, it was on. It got awesomer and awesomer as the sparks flew, Brandon Flowers danced the entire stage, rhythm was dropped and Dave Keuning flew.
It is OK to like The Killers. Really, it is. It is OK to like hearing music with thousands of fans in arenas, all of you singing along and dancing. It is OK, trust me. You can try to be cool and want to be cool and make these intentions known. And it is OK to age and feel silly, it really, honestly is. It is OK to have fun listening to music.
If the band can no longer connect with you, that is when you ditch them, whether it is in an arena or a club. But if they still make you feel good, and like it is only you and them, then keep taking that ride. Enjoy yourself and the lasers and the sparks and the confetti, and enjoy your life. Smile like you mean it.
