Brandon Flowers, the lead vocalist of American rock band The Killers, has raised doubts about his long-term future in music, questioning how long he wants to continue touring and performing.
In an interview with The Times, the singer opened up about his career state of mind as he prepares to release his first solo album in 11 years, reflecting on what drives him to remain on stage.
Flowers compared his own career to the lifestyle of his father, who spends time visiting flea markets to buy picture frames to bring home and paint. He noted that despite never having money in his life, his father is happier than he is. The contrast has led Flowers to ask himself how much longer he wants to keep touring, what his work means, and why he does it, adding that he invariably falls ill whenever a concert tour comes to an end.
Considering what keeps veteran musicians going, Flowers said he often thinks of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and wonders what motivates him to step onto the stage, concluding that the intense moments during a concert are likely what drive performers to keep returning.
Reflecting on the origins of The Killers, Flowers recalled leaving home to play 250 shows in support of their debut album. He acknowledged that the grueling schedule caused personal relationships to fall apart, though he felt at the time that the opportunity was miraculous, tempting, and demanded total commitment. He revealed that it was not until 2019 that he realized good art is its own reward, whereas earlier in his career his primary focus had been landing on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
Early life and work before music
Looking back at his life before achieving international fame, Flowers recalled having far simpler career aspirations. He explained that he originally hoped to work as a valet parker after watching his cousins and uncles support their families on tips.
His goal was to secure a job at a high-end Las Vegas venue such as the Bellagio. His first job on the Las Vegas Strip was busing tables at Spago inside Caesars Palace, followed by positions at a French brasserie and a golf course. Flowers remarked that he loved working in the service industry and considers himself to still be part of it today.
Upcoming solo album Thrasher
While Flowers questioned his long-term career path, his immediate focus is on his upcoming solo album, titled Thrasher, scheduled for release on August 21. The project marks his first solo album since 2015's The Desired Effect.
Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, the album explores Flowers' connection to the country-western music his father listened to. In a statement released by Island Records, Flowers said he discovered that the stories he carries with him feel truly at home within that American tradition.
The album features 10 tracks:
- Does It Ever Cross Your Mind?
- One Of Us
- Tiger's Blood
- Plans
- Paradise
- Miss America
- Angel
- The Red Ground
- In A Heartbeat
- An American Dream
Background and band legacy
Flowers rose to global fame as the frontman of The Killers, the Las Vegas rock band formed in 2001. Over more than two decades, the group earned worldwide acclaim with stadium anthems including Mr. Brightside, Read My Mind, and Run For Cover, establishing Flowers as one of modern rock's most prominent frontmen.
