Along with The Strokes and Franz Ferdinand, The Killers were a ubiquitous presence on the radio in the mid-'00s, largely due to the success of their enormously catchy hit single, "Mr. Brightside." Borrowing the jangly guitar work of the post-punk era and giving it a polished pop sheen, The Killers became one of the most popular in a grouping of new bands the music press referred to as the post-punk revival.

The band's beginnings were founded in Las Vegas in 2002 by vocalist and frontman Brandon Flowers, guitarist David Keuning, bassist Mark Stoermer and dummer Ronnie Vannucci. After gigging locally, the band's single "Mr. Brightside" earned them a deal, and they issued an EP in England before heading back stateside, signing with Island, and releasing their 2004 debut, Hot Fuss.

Flowers' charisma, flashy fashion sense and heavy MTV rotation ensured that The Killers would become one of the most popular bands among teens, and Hot Fuss aptly described the band's reception on the pop music scene. Touring extensively, the band attracted a strong following and carved out a solid niche among the many dance-rock bands of the time.

In 2006, the band changed directions. Releasing Sam's Town, their follow-up, they dropped the catchy, danceable riffs for more sober rock 'n' roll. Critics pointed out that the new album owed a heavy debt to Bruce Springsteen in terms of its sound, but the band's songs still had a unique take that was all their own. Proving they could tackle more serious subject matter through their lyrics, The Killers delivered a more serious side to their music that was somewhat underappreciated.

Still popular today, The Killers are undoubtedly one of the most successful modern pop bands, and are sure to keep their solid fan base in the near future.