Review: The Killers bring an electrifying set full of nostalgia to Co-op Live

Manchester clearly holds a special place in The Killers’ hearts. The Las Vegas band was named after the fictional group from New Order’s 2001 music video, Crystal. Frontman Brandon Flowers even often refers to the city as his “musical home”.

Two years on from their headline show at Emirates Old Trafford, where they played to 50,000 fans, the five-piece return for the start of a festive four-night residency at the glittering Co-op Live, bringing the ‘best of’ shows to the city . .

Indie-rock icons Travis warm up the packed crowd with a set full of hits and infectious energy from their 34-year catalog. A rousing version of Closer sees the entire arena lit up, while brilliant set closer Why Does It Always Rain on Me gets the enthusiastic crowd jumping in unison.

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The Killers are revealed to their die-hard fans from behind a white curtain, delivering a mesmerizing two-hour set of hits spanning their career to date, with songs from their latest compilation album, Rebel Diamonds.

Opening with the Springsteen-inspired Read My Mind from 2006’s Sam’s Town, they set a relentless pace for the night. Somebody Told Me and Spaceman follow as Flowers in a sparkly suit spins around the stage to whip the crowd into an early frenzy.

It’s been an incredible 20 years since they released their debut album, Hot Fuss. Not only is it a record that has stood the test of time, but one that has passed on to the next generation of Killers fans. The crowds are up and running, with Jenny Was A Friend of Mine, Smile Like You Mean It and the rarely played On Top filling the glittering venue with a nostalgic buzz like it’s 2004 all over again.

Founding member and lead guitarist Dave Keuning is back on the road with the band for the first time in seven years and sounds better than ever as he breaks into an electrifying version of The Man along with a shower of pink confetti.

Flowers dedicates the always poignant desert rock epic A Dustland Fairytale to all those who have lost someone they loved as the bright lights of the phone fill the entire arena.

The epic sound is maintained by the ecstatic crescendo of All These Things That I’ve Done as more confetti covers the crowd. It has all the energy of a triumphant set closer, but they’re not done yet, as When You Were Young delivers yet another blistering new song.

“We’re like old friends,” Flowers exclaims to his devoted Manchester audience as he blasts into Imploding the Mirage’s Dying Breed with its synth rock chorus before the band leave the stage.