Since the release of their Grammy-nominated debut album Hot Fuss in 2004, The Killers have long been festival favourites in Ireland – guaranteeing an electrifying performance, packed with hits. 20 years on, their high-energy shows are better than ever.

Here tonight in Dublin, Irish fans load in early to catch the support slot by Glasgow's finest, Travis. With his hair dyed bright orange, Fran Healy looks like a mix between John Lydon and Rik Mayall's character in Drop Dead Fred.

Despite some unfortunate sound issues at the beginning, Travis manage to keep the audience on side with Fran Healy's boundless energy and a set filled with some of the biggest hits of the '00s including 'Sing' and the indie anthem, 'Why Does It Always Rain On Me'. Set to release their new studio album LA Times this July, they perform their stomping new track, 'Gaslight'.

Fran Healy tells us how they landed the support slot: "I wrote Brandon a text and I was like, 'A little bird tells me you're doing a tour... Have you got any support?' And then I text, 'I hope you know every night we're gonna come on and try to blow you off the stage right?'"

Healy playfully mimics Brandon Flowers' softly spoken voice as he says: "I absolutely understand that..."

"They're the coolest guys and it's going to be an amazing tour!" Healy warmly declares.

The self-proclaimed "Potty-mouthed Glaswegians" treat us to a "busk" of their 2002 hit 'Flowers In The Window' which is one of the most joyous performances I've seen in a long time. Standing side by side the band are full of smiles, relishing their return to the stage.

With a well and truly warmed up crowd, The Killers take to the stage kicking off the night with their Sam's Town hit 'Read My Mind'. Their two-hour set is loaded with back-to-back hits. 20 years on, Hot Fuss classics like 'Somebody Told Me', 'On Top', 'Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine' and 'Smile Like You Mean It' sound as good as ever.

Visually, the stage setting is spectacular. With a Vegas-inspired aesthetic, the stage backdrop changes for each song. From a ten-foot-long chandelier to Irish tricolour confetti, The Killers sure know how to put on a show.

Photo © 2024 Chris Phelps
www.chrisphelps.com The Killers - Rebel Diamonds Tour

Brandon Flowers keeps the party going with a dazzling performance of the Jacknife Lee-produced track 'The Man'. A born showman, Brandon Flowers' energy and commitment to his performance makes him one of the best frontmen of his generation. His flawless voice and killer smile are truly irresistible and you can't help but root for him.

Other musical highlights included Sam's Town favourites 'This River is Wild' and 'When You Were Young', along with the 2020 track, 'Dying Breed' and a well-received performance of Erasure's 1988 hit, 'A Little Respect'.

Starting with a slightly different arrangement to the album version, and then launching into the original, The Killers finish off the evening with their mega hit 'Mr. Brightside'.

Photo © 2024 Chris Phelps www.chrisphelps.com)The Killers - Rebel Diamonds Tour

Ending with a rip-roaring drum solo by Ronnie Vannucci Jr., their Irish fans leave the 3Arena on a high. A world-class show by one of Ireland's favourite bands.