The Killers bring peace, love & rock and roll to a sold-out United Center

“Chicago, Illinois, we’ve got to make up for some lost time tonight, how about it,” said vocalist Brandon Flowers near the top of The Killers’ sold-out Chicago stop on the Imploding the Mirage Tour on Sept. 21. “Covid brought a lot of uncertainty. Covid forced a lot of isolation. Chicago, look around tonight – ain’t nobody in isolation tonight. This is a super-spreader event – We’re spreading peace. We’re spreading love and we’re spreading rock and roll. Come and get it.”

“My Own Soul’s Warning” kicked-off the setlist and “When You Were Young,” “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine” and “Smile Like You Mean It” created encore-level euphoria early in the show. Chicago was lucky enough to get a special holiday concert from The Killers – comprised of Flowers, Dave Keuning (lead guitar), Mark Stoermer (bass – on hiatus from touring), Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drums) – during the radio station formerly known as 101WKQX’s Nights We Stole Christmas back in 2021, but this was the first post-pandemic stop at the United Center and the excitement from both the band and fans was palpable.

“I can’t believe it’s been four years since I’ve had the opportunity to say these words in Chicago,” said Flowers with a giant grin. “We’re the Killers and we’re brought to you by way of fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada.”

Keuning’s riffs dazzled throughout the night with an exceptionally pretty outro on “A Dustland Fairytale” and a face-melting solo during “Read My Mind,” the latter of which found Flowers sharing a vocal snippet of “Lean on Me.” Vannucci was rock solid on every song especially “In the Car Outside” with its prominent automotive rhythms.

Whether he was sharing a prayer on a Wednesday night (“Running Towards a Place”) or showcasing his vast vocal prowess with a classic cover (“The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face”), Flowers was the very definition of a rock star – running, hopping on the front stage platform, and giving it his all at every opportunity. He even conjured some Kraftwerk vibes with his humorous vocoder intro to “Human.”

Earlier in the night The Smiths’ legend Johnny Marr – who joined The Killers during the encore – opened the show.

“Hello Chicago. Nice to see you all again, nice to be back here,” Marr said before introducing his band. “Thanks for making it out early. This is Iwan. This is James. This is Jack. My name’s Johnny. We’re gonna play a couple of tunes for you.”

His short set list was comprised of equal parts solo songs and hits from his Smiths days. Marr’s rendition of “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” garnered an enthusiastic call and response with the crowd and he and his band produced menacing drama during “How Soon Is Now?.”

One of the night’s many high points came during “Runaways,” a song that is absolutely meant to be sang at the top of your lungs in a sold-out stadium. Flowers and company built on the already epic nature of the Battle Born hit with an extended outro and calls to “put ’em up.”

The Killers will continue the North American leg of the Imploding the Mirage Tour through Oct. 12. Do yourself a favor and click here to pick-up tickets to see them perform live in a city near you.

More information about upcoming shows at the United Center can be found at UnitedCenter.com.

(Photos by Chris Phelps)