The Killers apologise after being booed for bringing Russian fan on stage at Georgia gig
The Killers have issued an apology after lead singer Brandon Flowers was booed for bringing a Russian fan on stage to play the drums at a live performance in Georgia.
The Las Vegas-formed rock band had been on the Black Sea resort of Batumi on Tuesday as a part of their European tour when Flowers invited the drummer to assist them carry out For Reasons Unknown.
In footage shared on social media, Flowers might be heard saying to the gang: “We don’t know the etiquette of this land but this guy’s a Russian. You okay with a Russian coming up here?”
There was a blended response from the viewers – and after the tune, Flowers spoke in regards to the separation of individuals by the borders of their international locations, and requested the gang: “You can’t recognise if someone’s your brother? He’s not your brother?”
He went on: “Am I not your brother, being from America?”
“One of the things that we have come to appreciate about being in this band is it brings people together, and tonight I want us to celebrate that we are here together,” he stated.
“And I don’t want it to turn ugly. And I see you as my brothers and sisters.”
The incident prompted some individuals to reportedly depart the gig early in protest.
The band had been booed throughout their gig in Georgia. Pic: Ekaterina Pirogova/by way of Reuters
Georgia gained independence from Soviet rule in April 1991, and in August 2008 Russian forces invaded the nation after which Moscow gained management of two breakaway areas, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Tensions have heightened since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a subsequent inflow of Russians escaping their nation. Georgian public opinion is overwhelmingly pro-Ukrainian.
The Killers later apologised, saying “it was never our intention to offend anyone”.
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In a press release posted on X (previously Twitter) on Wednesday, the band stated: “We recognise that a comment, meant to suggest that all of the Killers’ audience and fans are ‘brothers and sisters’ could be misconstrued.
“We didn’t imply to upset anybody and we apologise.
“We stand with you and hope to return soon.”