TRNSMT: The Killers

Glasgow Green

Holly Lennon

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FESTIVAL favourites The Killers closed the final weekend of TRNSMT 2018 with a set packed with classics, covers and charm.

Opening with The Man from their latest album Wonderful Wonderful, frontman Brandon Flowers said the band were “feeling a lot of love” from the packed Glasgow Green crowd, some of whom had been attached themselves to the barrier front of stage as soon as the gates opened.

With touches of John Byrne and David Bowie, the disco vibes and tongue-in-cheek hip thrusts were just the start of what was to be an exciting set from the band.

Paying homage to their hometown of Las Vegas, the stage was dressed in colourful neon signs while Flowers donned an embroidered flared suit - one of two he would model throughout the show.

But the set was not without appreciation of all things Glasgow.

Introducing their performance, the frontman roared “What’s up Weegies. We’re brought to you by way of fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. This next one’s a real belter”, before launching into Somebody Told Me.

Tracks from their debut album Hot Fuss predictably received the best response from the crowd, but were closely followed by covers of Scottish heroes The Waterboys and Travis.

An impromptu appearance from a crowd member known only as ‘Tony’ on drums was met with a rapturous applause from crowds.

Flowers, who has also enjoyed a successful solo career, captured the audience with his 1,000 watt smile and energy.

Despite being seasoned professionals when it comes to headline shows of Glasgow Green scale, Flowers maintains the same enthusiasm of his 20-year-old self back in the early Noughties when he donned eyeliner and appeared in American teen dramas.

The decision to book the band for another headline slot, given that they topped the bill at T in the Park three times in seven years, may have raised a few eyebrows, but their set proved why The Killers will always be a safe bet.

Earlier performances from homegrown talent Lewis Capaldi, Chvrches and Franz Ferdinand set up nicely for the final act of the festival which attracted a diverse and varied crowd over its run.