Ten years ago this October, The Killers released their sophomore album Sam’s Town. To celebrate the decennial, the band is re-issuing their love letter to Las Vegas on vinyl and will be performing two nights at the album’s namesake, Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall in Las Vegas, Nevada. There will also be an expert-led tour of The Killers’ Vegas, featuring spots mentioned in the band’s tunes as well as Battle Born studios.
Sam’s Town was produced by U2 and Depeche Mode producer Flood as well as Alan Moulder, who had previously worked with Smashing Pumpkins and Nine Inch Nails. The record is generally noted for its move away from the more new-wave influenced stylings of the band’s debut, Hot Fuss, into a more Springsteen-esque Americana direction. The band even rebranded their look, ditching the skinny ties and shiny suits for more rustic gear and mustaches. The New Jersey influence can certainly be felt on the album’s first single, “When You Were Young,” but Sam’s Town, with its operatic melodrama and life-or-death tales of youngsters in love owes as much to Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf as it does The Boss.
The re-issued LP—from Bong Load Records—will be fully re-mastered and will featured two bonus tracks including the never before released demo “Peace Of Mind” as well as the Pet Shop Boys’ “Stars Are Blazing” remix of the album’s third single, “Read My Mind” (previously featured on the Pet Shop Boys album Disco Four.) The Killers’ singer and primary songwriter Brandon Flowers told Chicago alternative radio station Q101 in 2006 that “Read My Mind” was the best song he’s ever written.
While there is no word on whether bassist Mark Stoermer will be returning to play the shows—he announced earlier this year that he would be recording with the band but not touring—he is listed on the press release for this event.
Tickets for the event go on sale August 5 at 10 a.m. PST, with pre-sale tickets available to members of The Killers fan club The Victims on August 3. Travel packages will be available for purchase, along with a VIP special that will include a private two-song performance before the main event. All profits from the event will go to support local Las Vegas charities for the homeless and addiction recovery.