The Killers

In this candid biography/photo book of the rock group that has sold over two million copies of its debut album Hot Fuss, noted journalist Jarret Keene reveals the secret meanings of songs by The Killers ("The Ballad of Michael Valentine," "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine"). Also exposed is how the band dodged slings and arrows (a Las Vegas newspaper once dismissed The Killers as a “Duran Duran cover band”) to become the latest breakthrough rock band—and perhaps the next great rock band of the twenty-first century. Nearly 100 never-before-published photos of The Killers (crowned Best New Band on the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards) are included, from their original lineup to their most recent stadium gigs. The author shares his unique insight into the band’s psychology—the hidden power struggles, the friendships cemented and broken—and sheds light on what makes The Killers stand out in the world of rock music today.

In addition to having been close friends and bandmates with members of the now multi-platinum-selling The Killers, author Jarret Keene covered the rapid rise of the group during his three-year stint as arts and entertainment editor for Las Vegas CityLife. From The Killers’ humble beginnings as the house band for a local transsexual dive bar to their eventual friendship with Jay Z, Keene saw and heard it all. Keene is also the author of the poetry collection Monster Fashion and the alternative travel guide The Underground Guide to Las Vegas. He lives in Las Vegas.