The Killers have issued an apology after their lead singer, Brandon Flowers, was booed for bringing a Russian fan onstage during a concert in Georgia. The incident occurred in Batumi, Georgia, the former Soviet state that was invaded by Russia in 2008. Flowers urged the crowd to think of each other as “brothers and sisters,” which was met with a mixed response of cheers and boos.
During the performance of the song “For Reasons Unknown,” the band invited a man to play drums with them. Flowers then addressed the audience, asking if they were okay with a Russian being onstage. This led to further boos from concertgoers. Flowers questioned whether people could recognize someone as their brother and emphasized the importance of unity, regardless of borders or nationality.
According to reports, some members of the audience left the stadium in protest. However, The Killers continued to play until the end of their show. Russia still occupies 20% of Georgian territory since the invasion in 2008. In recent years, there has been an influx of Russians to Georgia, particularly since Russia’s war on Ukraine began in 2022. This has caused tensions and backlash within the country.
In response to the incident, The Killers released a statement apologizing for any offense caused. They explained that they have a tradition of inviting people to play drums during their performances and believed that the initial response from the crowd indicated their acceptance of the Russian fan. The band clarified that Flowers’ comments were meant to emphasize the unity of their audience and fans as “brothers and sisters.” However, they acknowledged that this message could be misconstrued.
The Killers expressed their support for the people of Georgia and hoped to return soon. Despite the controversy, they played through the rest of their show, demonstrating their commitment to their fans and the power of music to bring people together.
What was the controversy at The Killers concert in Georgia and why did lead singer Brandon Flowers face backlash?
The Killers Issue Apology Following Controversy at Concert in Georgia
The popular rock band, The Killers, have issued a heartfelt apology after their lead singer, Brandon Flowers, faced a backlash during a concert in Batumi, Georgia. The incident took place in the former Soviet state, which was invaded by Russia in 2008, causing tensions between the two nations.
During the show, the band invited a Russian fan onto the stage to play the drums with them. However, when Flowers addressed the audience, urging them to see each other as “brothers and sisters,” his words were met with a mixed response of cheers and boos.
Some concertgoers at the Batumi stadium expressed their discontent by leaving the venue in protest. Nevertheless, The Killers carried on with their performance until the end, displaying their dedication to their fans and the power of music to bridge divides.
In light of the controversy, the band released a statement, expressing their regret for any offense caused. They explained that inviting fans to join them on stage is a tradition they follow during their shows and believed that the initial positive reaction from the crowd indicated their acceptance of the Russian fan.
The Killers clarified that Flowers’ intention was to emphasize the unity and togetherness of their audience, irrespective of geographic borders or nationalities. However, they recognized that their message may have been misconstrued.
The band also expressed their unwavering support for the people of Georgia and stated their hope to return to the country in the future. Despite the challenging circumstances, The Killers demonstrated their commitment to their fans and the belief that music can bring people together.
“While it’s important for musicians to connect with their fans, cultural sensitivity should always be considered. It’s good to see The Killers taking responsibility and apologizing for their mistake.”