The Killers drew boos from the crowd at their concert at the Black Sea Arena in Batumi, Georgia, where they performed Tuesday night. Following their long tradition of inviting a fan on stage to help perform the song “For Reasons Unknown”, the night’s guest turned out to be Russian. In an attempt at international diplomacy, singer Brandon Flowers called Russians and Georgians ‘brothers’, which was met with loud protests.
“We don’t know the etiquette of this country, but this man is Russian. Do you mind if a Russian comes here?’ Flowers asked the audience, who responded with loud jeers. Despite gaining independence from the Soviet government in 1991, Russia still occupies 20 percent of Georgia’s territory after the 2008 invasion.
More from Rolling Stone
The crowd’s disapproval was further demonstrated by walkouts. After the performance, the singer urged the concertgoers: “You can’t recognize if someone is your brother? Isn’t he your brother? We all secede at the borders of our countries? … Am I not your brother, who is from America?”
The band apologized later that same night, claiming it was not their intention to offend anyone. “We have a long tradition of inviting people to play the drums and it seemed from the stage that the crowd’s initial reaction indicated they were okay with the crowd joining in tonight,” they wrote on social media.
They added that their comment, which was “intended to suggest that the entire audience and fans of the Killers are ‘siblings’, could be misinterpreted.” It was not our intention to upset anyone and we apologize. We stand behind you and hope to return soon.”
The Killers are currently on tour in Europe. They will be performing at several upcoming festivals including Reading and Leeds at the end of August. The band will also headline the Ohana Festival in Dana Point, California, September 29 through October 1.
The best of Rolling Stone
Click here to read the full article.
