Brandon Flowers

Brandon Richard Flowers (born June 21, 1981) is an American musician. He serves as the co-founder, lead vocalist, primary songwriter, keyboardist, and occasional bassist of the Las Vegas-based rock band the Killers, which he formed with Dave Keuning in 2001.

In addition to his work with the Killers, Flowers has released two solo albums, Flamingo (2010) and The Desired Effect (2015). He has reached number one on the UK Albums Chart ten times,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and on the Billboard 200 once (top ten, eight times),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> including work with the Killers.

Early life

Brandon Richard Flowers, the youngest of six children, was born on June 21, 1981, in the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson, Nevada, to Jean Yvonne (née Barlow; 1945–2010)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Terry Austin Flowers.<ref name="legacy.com">Template:Cite web</ref> He has an older brother and four older sisters.<ref name="legacy.com" /> His parents met as teenagers, and he wrote the song "A Dustland Fairytale" (also known as "Dustland") as a tribute to their marriage and lifelong romance.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His grandmother was from Lithuania,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and his cousin is Craig Barlow, an inductee to the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Flowers's family lived in Henderson until Flowers was eight, when they moved to Payson, Utah, for two years before moving to Nephi, Utah, when he was in the sixth grade.<ref name="Spin">Template:Cite web</ref> Flowers lived in Nephi until his junior year at Juab High School, when in 1997, at 16, he moved back to Las Vegas to live with his aunt.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He graduated from Chaparral High School in 1999.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Flowers said that growing up in Las Vegas as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) helped prepare him for the world of rock and roll: "Really, being a [member] in Las Vegas prepared me for the lion's den. It is Sin City. The things that go on, the lights, it's the ultimate rock and roll stage. Without Las Vegas, I would be a wreck."<ref>McCormick, Neil. "'we can be Bigger than U2' there are no Limits to the Ambition of Brandon Flowers and His Band, the Killers – Yet in Person the Singer, Songwriter and Devout Mormon is a Fearful Man. He Talks to Neil McCormick." The Daily Telegraph: 31. November 27, 2008. ProQuest. Web. October 2, 2015.</ref>

Career

The Killers (2001–present)

Brandon Flowers singing for the Killers Day & Age World Tour

File:The Killers - BST Hyde Park - Saturday 8th July 2017 KillersBST080717-33 (35034823704).jpg

Flowers onstage at BST Hyde Park in 2017

Flowers responded to an ad that Dave Keuning had placed in the Las Vegas Weekly in late 2001, whereupon they became the Killers. After several short-lived bassists and drummers, Flowers and Keuning were joined by bassist Mark Stoermer and drummer Ronnie Vannucci, and the line-up became official in August 2002.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Between 2003 and 2021, they released seven consecutive chart-topping studio albums and have sold over 22 million records worldwide.<ref>No other international act ever has managed an untarnished career streak of seven Number 1 studio albums from their debut</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Killers are among those artists who have spent more than 1,000 weeks on the UK music charts during their career. Flowers wrote the lyrics to the single "All These Things That I've Done" that numbered among the "100 Greatest Songs of All Time" by The Daily Telegraph and earned one of the band's seven Grammy nominations.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> He is also the author of the lyrics of "Mr. Brightside," which is the third biggest selling/streaming song of all time in the United Kingdom and also holds the record for most weeks spent on the UK singles chart, at over 450 weeks.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Their second album Sam's Town, paid homage to Flowers' hometown and family, and earned the band their first BRIT Awards (Best International Album and Group), and included the chart-topping single "When You Were Young".<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Before releasing their first Billboard 200 No. 1 album Wonderful Wonderful (2017) and chart topping single "The Man", the band took a one-year hiatus during which Flowers released his second and most favorably reviewed solo album to that date.

On July 4, 2010, the Killers headlined the "Salute to the Military" USO Concert at the White House. They performed "God Bless America" and favorites from their catalogue.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> On June 22, 2013, the Killers headlined the 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium, their biggest solo show to date.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Solo career (2010–present)

Flamingo (2010–11)

File:2010 - Brandon Flowers (O2 Academy in Leeds) Brandon Flowers (5080331931).jpg

Flowers on the Flamingo Road Tour in 2010

Flowers debuted his solo act at the Shimmer Showroom in Las Vegas on August 15, 2010.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Spin named it one of the "15 Best Shows of the Summer"<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> before listing the Flamingo Road Tour as one of the "25 Best Fall Tours"/"Must-See Fall Tours".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Flowers' debut solo album, Flamingo, was released worldwide and charted in the top ten albums in ten countries, including the UK where it charted at number one.<ref name="officialcharts1">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The album drew heavy influence from Flowers' hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada, and earned Flowers a Q Award nomination for Best Male Artist (2010). The first single from Flamingo, "Crossfire", was released on June 21. It became Flowers' first top ten single in the UK as a solo artist and was certified silver by the BPI. The video for "Crossfire" featured actress Charlize Theron and was nominated for Best Video at the NME Awards. Flamingo was Flowers' fourth consecutive studio album to reach no. 1 on the UK charts, including work by the Killers, who subsequently earned another four consecutive UK No. 1's.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Desired Effect (2015)

File:Brandon Flowers (with Chrissie Hynde), Brixton Academy, London (17775026150).jpg

Flowers with Chrissie Hynde on The Desired Effect Tour in 2015

After some of the band members wanted "to take a break from touring and the rat race," Flowers decided to keep it going and record a second solo album.<ref>Doyle, Patrick. "Brandon Flowers, the Solo Killer." Rolling Stone May 7, 2015: 18. ProQuest. Web. October 1, 2015.</ref> The Desired Effect was released on May 15, 2015. The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, making it Flowers' second consecutive solo No. 1 album.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Flowers stated that the album was "definitely going to be different" from his last album, and he referred to producer Ariel Rechtshaid as his "co-captain".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The album featured performances by notable musicians including Bruce Hornsby, Tony Levin, Joey Waronker, Carlos Alomar, and Kenny Aronoff.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Desired Effect is Flowers' highest yet ranked album on Metacritic<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and honored as the Album of the Year (2015) by The San Francisco Examiner.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Reviews positively described the album as Flowers' finest work since Hot Fuss.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The album was preceded by positively reviewed singles "Can't Deny My Love", "Still Want You", "Lonely Town", and "I Can Change".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> Multiple tracks from the album were listed on Best Songs of 2015 So Far lists by publications including SPIN, NPR, and Mashable. Halfway through 2015, USA Today listed the album as one of the top five best albums of 2015 so far.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Desired Effect Tour included performances in Europe and North America; it ran through October 1, 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> MTV rated Flowers' tour stop at London's Brixton Academy five stars.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Flowers also performed for U.S. President Barack Obama at the 2015 National Clean Energy Summit.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Flowers also performed at that year's Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall for members of the British royal family.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

As one of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's favorite artists, Flowers was asked to perform "Be Still" and "Home Means Nevada" at Reid's funeral in 2022.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Forthcoming solo albums

As of October 2025, Flowers is working on two new solo albums according to an NME interview.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Collaborations

In addition to his work with the Killers, Flowers has collaborated with Avicii,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> New Order,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Travis,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and Robbie Williams.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2022, Flowers and the Killers invited Bruce Springsteen to perform with them at Madison Square Garden.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In 2023, he was invited to perform alongside Elton John at the Glastonbury Festival.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Personal life

File:Brandon Flowers.jpeg

Flowers in 2011

Flowers married Tana Mundkowsky in 2005 and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Park City, Utah.<ref name="vh1">Template:Cite web</ref> He wrote the song "Some Kind of Love" for his wife who suffers from PTSD.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He and his wife have three sons, born in 2007, 2009, and 2011.<ref name="people.com – The Killers Singer Brandon Flowers, Wife Have a Son">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Their sons attended their first Killers concert in July 2017, at London's Hyde Park.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Flowers is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In 2012, he discussed his religion on Scandinavian television show Skavlan, where he debated Richard Dawkins on the subject.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> He and his family are featured in a promotional video on the church's website.<ref>Template:Citation</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref> He also shared his beliefs with some of the church's leadership in 2022.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Flowers' portrait was painted by British artist Joe Simpson for his "Musician Portraits" series that was exhibited at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Philanthropy

From 2006 to 2016, the Killers released annual Christmas-themed singles and videos in aid of the charity Product Red, supporting the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The singles later formed the charity compilation album Don't Waste Your Wishes (2016).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Elton John listed Flowers as one of his top five heroes while editing The IndependentTemplate:'s World AIDS Day special edition.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Killers have also contributed songs for cover albums with proceeds going to charities supporting natural disaster relief (Rhythms del Mundo Classics) and famine-stricken areas (AHK-toong BAY-bi Covered).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> The Killers co-organized a benefit concert in December 2017 for those affected by the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, raising more than $700,000.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Artistry

Influences

Flowers has listed Bruce Springsteen, Oingo Boingo, Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys, the Smiths, the Cars, Depeche Mode, and the Cure among his musical influences.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Musical style and vocals

Attributed to the genres alternative rock,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> new wave,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> heartland rock,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> synth-pop,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> pop rock,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and post-punk revival,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Flowers is regarded as a prominent frontman of the new wave revival in the 2000s.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As a solo artist, Flowers first exhibited elements of heartland rock as well as new-wave-style alternative rock. On his second album, Flowers exhibited greater pop tendencies, prompting Rolling Stone to dub The Desired Effect "the best straight-up pop album made by a rock star in recent memory."<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Flowers is a tenor.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

U2's lead singer Bono praised Flowers' voice to The Globe and Mail in 2015, saying "We need him on the radio .... His voice!"<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Bruce Springsteen also praised his voice at the Ivor Novello Awards in 2025, calling it "one of the most beautiful, pure voices in all of Rock 'N' Roll."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Equipment

Flowers normally uses in the studio and on tour his Korg MicroKorg synth as well as the Nord Lead 2 (2002-2008). He later used the Nord Lead 2x (2003-present).

Discography

The Killers

• Hot Fuss (2004)
• Sam's Town (2006)
• Day & Age (2008)
• Battle Born (2012)
• Wonderful Wonderful (2017)
• Imploding the Mirage (2020)
• Pressure Machine (2021)

Solo

• Flamingo (2010)
• The Desired Effect (2015)

Tours

• Flamingo Road Tour (2010–11)
• The Desired Effect Tour (2015)

Awards and nominations

Brandon Flowers has been awarded the Q Idol Award,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> the Ivor Novello Awards' Special International Award, and appeared on multiple greatest-frontman-of-all-time lists published by various outlets.

The Killers have been nominated for seven GRAMMY Awards, eight BRIT Awards, and two World Music Awards.

See also

• List of UK Albums Chart number ones of the 2010s
• List of people from Nevada
• Music of Nevada

External links

• Template:Official website
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