The Killers (5/28/05)



I was excited to finally see one of the most talked about bands of the last couple years. Shortly after this album was released, I had a chance to see them at the House of Blues here in Cleveland, which would have been my first show at this new venue. Having no clue as to their popularity, I just figured I would pick up tickets at the show. As I approached the venue I started to get concerned, and then realized at the ticket counter they were sold out... I was bummed, but not devastated.

Several months later, I realized I was devastated. The album got better with every listen, until I realized every track was great. Finally I heard they were coming back, but this time on Memorial Day Weekend and at the Scene Pavilion. I've really grown to appreciate that venue after seeing Modest Mouse there. Being on the river with the city skyline as the backdrop is stunning. Especially as the huge barges pass behind.

I didn't get tickets right away this time, because this was also the weekend my sister was coming up with the kids for the big Thomas the Train event. Once I established that my familial duties wouldn't interfere with the concert, I checked for tickets and they were already sold out. Damn! Luckily my friend Kat had an extra one!

Opening was Hot Hot Heat. I've heard of them, but never really had much exposure to their music. We didn't catch much of their set, but they had a kind of 60's Beatles-esque feel to them. Eh... they were alright.

When The Killers took the stage, the crowd erupted. They were charismatic and confident. Of course, when you have a hit album and your front man is a hottie, I guess it would be hard to not be. They cranked out the songs on their album flawlessly. We were sitting on the back bleachers and I wanted to get closer, but as you can see from the picture, the place as PACKED. At one point Kat disappeared. After about a half hour, she reappeared with a wild look on her face and bruises all over her. She exclaims "You DON'T even KNOW where i've been." I guess squeezing past hoards of people to get to the front of the crowd is one of the benefits of being short, cute and female. Being male and 6'4" I could have never pulled that off. Had I known that was her intention, I would have definitely sent my camera with her.

I guess the one thing I was hoping for was more banter on stage. I was hoping to get a bit more insight into the personality of the band, but they did what they came to do. They rocked.

Posted: Wed - July 6, 2005 at 07:22 PM           |

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