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The Killers'Brandon Flowers reveals how, a year on, his band have gone to festival
contenders to champions. Just don't mention the Bravery.
If you thought The Killers were omnipresent last summer,then there will be no
escape whatsoever from them this year. The band's Saturday slot on the main
stage at T In The Park is the particularly tasty filling in a sandwich that also
contains headline appearances at Glastonbury and the Carling Weekend: Leeds and
Reading. Singer Brandon Flowers is looking forward to the return trip to Kinross
though: he's got a wheelbarrow full of new songs and a new pink jacket is being
hand stitched as we speak. But will the Bravery's presence on the bill spoil the
party?
So Brandon, are you mentally ready for playing in front of a bunch of tanked up
Scottish hooligans wearing kilts and daggers at T In The Park?
I think so. Last time we playing in Scotland (in Glasgow) someone hit me with a
beer and it when all over my keyboard. And the problem is that electronics and
beer don't mix. So we were forced to stop the show. I've got a couple of back up
keyboards now. But maybe we ought to stand right at the back of the stage, just
in case.
Will you be sipping tea in Kinross,or getting sloshed on warm Scottish larger
along with everybody else?
Erm. I've never really had a taste of tea. I've probably only had about 5 cups
of tea in my whole life. So I'll probably stick with the lager, thanks very
much.
Have you ever tried Irn Bru? That’s a fine Scottish drink.
No. I have some Scottish in me, you know. And some Lithuanian. So I ought to
give it a try.
Will you be wearing the infamous pink jacket? Or getting a new tartan one?
(Laughs) I think I'll stick with the pink. Or maybe I'll get another one.
Actually, I'll let you in on something - there
is a new jacket. It’s another pink one. But that’s all I'm saying for
now.
Is it waterproof? In case it's pissing it down with rain?
I'd like to hope so, yes
You've been complaining that British audiences stand still when you play
midnight Show. Will you be stopping the show with that in T In The Park too?
(laughs) I've been saying how great British audiences are and how they really
get us and our shows. But a lot of people -NME included- have said only the
first half of our album Hot Fuss is any good. So maybe lots of people just don't
listen to the second half. And Midnight Show is on that second half. Maybe
people just haven't heard it before.
Will you be airing any new songs at your festival appearances?
Yeah. I expect we'll play about three. Probably It's Only Natural", "Daddy's
Eyes" and Where Is She. Where Is She is actually about a girl from Scotland. She
came to the show that I had beer thrown on me. She was murdered -some guy
abducted her and killed her. It was terrible. And I found it really disturbing
that she has been to one of our shows. So that song is dedicated to her.
How is the new album coming?
It's swell. The new songs are a lot more organic. There are a lot more organs
and pianos. A lot of it's more rocky. We're trying some new things out, trying
to find the right balance. But it all depends on what you've got. If you've got
three or four obvious singles then it'll keep the momentum going, and help
people to connect. If we have one or two songs on every record that remind
people of something in their lives, it'll help our music last forever. And
that's what I really want.
Are you bored of playing Mr Brightside yet?
I’m not bored of it. But we're just looking forward to playing some new songs.
And writing the new album. But Mr Brightside is a strong song and we're happy
that people like it and understand it. So we'll keep on playing it. I still
think it's a good song, and it means a lot to me.
After your set at T, will you hand out at the Main Stage watching Keane and the
Foo Fighters, or instead wander off to catch New Order and James Brown?
New Order and James Brown probably. I’ve heard the New Order single Krafty but
not the album. I'd like to see them. I’ve got a soft spot for New Order.
Have you got a big tent?
Have I got a big tent?
Yes. And can you erect it?
Well, I haven't been camping since I was a small boy. Probably up in the
mountains. But I haven't been for ages. I don't think I will be staying in a
tent at any festivals this year. These days I prefer the Four Seasons.
What happens if you do check into the
Four Seasons in the Scotland and The Bravery have checked into the room next
door?
I don't know, man. I haven't really got a problem with them. I just don’t
understand why they are so offended to be compared to us. I just think they
should acknowledge that we were before them, and that helped them get where they
are. I'd just like a little respect from them, that’s all
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