"I had to defuse an unmanageable situation": Brandon Flowers discusses The Killers controversy in Georgia.

 

Brandon Flowers has revealed that he found himself in an incredibly challenging situation when he unintentionally invited a Russian fan onto the stage during The Killers' concert in Georgia.

The lead vocalist of the rock band, which originated in Las Vegas, stirred up controversy with his remarks at the Black Sea Arena in Batumi, where the band was performing as part of their Imploding the Mirage tour.

Following the band's customary tradition of inviting a fan to join them on stage to play the drums for their 2006 song "For Reasons Unknown," Flowers, aged 42, addressed the audience.

"We are unfamiliar with the customs of this region, but this individual is Russian. Are you comfortable having a Russian join us up here?" he inquired.

While a portion of the crowd responded with cheers, a significant number expressed their disapproval through boos and shouts of "No."

Russo-Georgian relations have faced heightened tension, particularly in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, a situation that resulted in an influx of Russian citizens emigrating to Georgia. Coincidentally, The Killers' performance took place shortly after the 25th anniversary of Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Georgia in 2008.

"I found myself in an incredibly challenging situation," Flowers revealed in a recent interview with The Sunday Times.

"We strive for our concerts to create a sense of community, and I had no inkling that words I've been raised with to symbolize unity among humanity could be interpreted as supportive of Russian occupation. We're disheartened by how this unfolded."

Following the band's rendition of "For Reasons Unknown," Flowers engaged with the audience, stating: "Is it impossible to recognize if someone is your sibling? They aren't your sibling? Do we all draw lines at our country's borders? Am I not your sibling? Am I not your sibling, being an American?"

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Reiterating this sentiment, Flowers mentioned that the band possessed the power to "unite people," emphasizing, "Tonight, I want us to rejoice in the fact that we're all here together, and I hope it doesn't take a negative turn."

He further conveyed, "I view all of you as my brothers and sisters," before proceeding to introduce the subsequent song.

Flowers' remarks, along with the subsequent apology issued by The Killers after their performance, triggered a strong reaction among Georgian fans on social media.

"To the wonderful people of Georgia, we sincerely never meant to cause offense!" the band expressed in an official statement.

"We have a well-established tradition of inviting individuals to join us in playing the drums, and it appeared from the stage that the initial reaction from the audience indicated their approval of tonight's participant joining us on stage."

Continuing their message, the band added, "We understand that a comment, intended to convey that The Killers' audience and supporters are like 'brothers and sisters,' might have been misconstrued."

"We did not intend to distress anyone and we offer our heartfelt apologies. We stand in solidarity with you and are hopeful for a future return," they concluded.