American Band The Killers Apologize for Controversial Performance in Georgia
August 16, 2022
An American alternative-rock band, The Killers, has issued an apology after a recent performance in Georgia sparked controversy. During the show in the Black Sea resort of Batumi, the band brought a Russian drummer on stage and referred to the audience as “brothers and sisters,” which led to boos from the crowd.
Georgia has a long history of tension with Russia, particularly due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the subsequent influx of Russian emigrants into the country. The Georgian public opinion is overwhelmingly pro-Ukrainian, further exacerbating the sensitivity surrounding the issue.
The Killers, a seven-time Grammy-nominated band, released a statement on their Facebook page, expressing their regret for any offense caused. They explained that it has been a longstanding tradition for them to invite people to play the drums during their performances. However, they acknowledged that their comment referring to the audience as “brothers and sisters” could be misconstrued.
Band leader Brandon Flowers addressed the crowd, stating that he did not want the situation to turn “angry” and referred to the audience as his brothers and sisters. This remark was met with boos and whistles from the audience, as captured in a video published by the Russian state RIA news agency. Videos circulating on social media also showed people leaving the show in response to the controversy.
The Killers, originally from Las Vegas, have sold millions of albums and have had numerous chart-topping songs since their formation in the early 2000s. They have gained a significant following worldwide and have been recognized with multiple Grammy nominations.
The band’s apology comes as tensions between Georgia and Russia remain high. The incident serves as a reminder of the sensitivity surrounding geopolitical issues and the potential impact on cultural events. The Killers’ statement reflects their commitment to respecting their audience and addressing any unintentional offense caused.
(This story has been refiled to correct the spelling of “Georgia” in paragraph 1)
Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Warsaw; Editing by Clarence Fernandez
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
How did The Killers’ performance in Georgia ignite controversy?
An Apology from American Band The Killers for Controversial Performance in Georgia
August 16, 2022
The acclaimed American alternative-rock band, The Killers, have issued an apology following a recent performance in Georgia that ignited controversy. During their show in the Black Sea resort of Batumi, the band invited a Russian drummer to join them on stage and addressed the audience as “brothers and sisters,” which resulted in a negative response from the crowd.
The tension between Georgia and Russia has a long-standing history, intensified by Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the subsequent influx of Russian emigrants into Georgia. The Georgian public opinion is overwhelmingly supportive of Ukraine, further adding to the sensitivity of the matter.
The Killers, a seven-time Grammy-nominated band, released a statement on their Facebook page expressing remorse for any offense caused. They explained that it has been a longstanding tradition for them to invite individuals to play the drums during their performances. However, they acknowledged that their reference to the audience as “brothers and sisters” could be misconstrued.
During the performance, the band’s leader, Brandon Flowers, addressed the crowd, expressing his desire to avoid the situation turning “angry” and referred to the audience as his brothers and sisters. This comment was met with disapproval from the audience, resulting in boos and whistles as captured in a video published by the Russian state RIA news agency. Videos circulating on social media also showed people leaving the show in response to the controversy.
Originating from Las Vegas, The Killers have sold millions of albums and have produced numerous chart-topping songs since their formation in the early 2000s. They have garnered a significant global following and have been recognized with multiple Grammy nominations.
The band’s apology comes amidst heightened tensions between Georgia and Russia. The incident serves as a reminder of the sensitivity surrounding geopolitical issues and the potential impact on cultural events. The Killers’ statement reflects their commitment to respecting their audience and addressing any unintentional offense caused.
(This story has been refiled to correct the spelling of “Georgia” in paragraph 1)
Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Warsaw; Editing by Clarence Fernandez
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
I appreciate their apology, but let’s hope they educate themselves better before making controversial remarks and choices in the future.
I’m glad that The Killers took responsibility for their actions and apologized. It’s important for artists to be mindful of the impact their words and choices can have, especially in sensitive political contexts. Hopefully, they will learn from this experience and make more informed decisions in the future.