2 weeks ago
7
Just now
By Ian Youngs, Culture reporter
Chris Phelps
The Killers at the end of their gig, with drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr wearing an England shirt
Destiny was calling England's footballers in the Euro 2024 semi-final - but thousands of fans with tickets to see The Killers at London's O2 arena on Wednesday thought they would have to miss the match.
However, the US rock band had a solution - they delighted the crowd by showing the climax of the game on the big screen.
And as the arena erupted at the final whistle, the band ramped up the celebrations further by immediately launching into their euphoric anthem Mr Brightside.
"I’ve been to some pretty cool gigs in my time and I had mixed feelings when I realised my birthday present was the Killers at the O2 tonight clashing with the semi-final," wrote author and journalist Tim Shipman on X.
"Then they did this and we went from delirium to my favourite song. Perfection."
Chris Phelps
The England celebrations were shown on the big screen
Sky reporter Martin Kimber wrote: "Possibly the most electric moment of my life. When the Killers livestream the Euros right before England win and they hit us with Mr Brightside."
Another fan, Amelia, wrote: "England going through to the final and the Killers immediately playing Mr Brightside after will forever be a core memory for me now."
The song's lyrics "I just can't look, it's killing me" are usually apt for England games, but the players took control of Wednesday's semi-final when substitute striker Ollie Watkins scored in the 90th minute.
Chris Phelps
Brandon Flowers and guitarist Dave Keuning watched the end of the match on the screen
Frontman Brandon Flowers was pictured at the front of the O2 stage watching the final minutes with the fans, before red and white streamers were fired over the jubilant crowd at the full-time whistle.
Drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr re-emerged wearing an England shirt.
"Tonight we played for England!" the band posted, alongside a flag emoji showing the St George's Cross.
Wednesday's show was the band's fifth of six gigs at the arena, at the end of their UK tour.
They will now move on to Spain, playing a festival in Madrid on Saturday. But they don't have a gig on Sunday, so won't have to switch sides on the night that England take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
English (US) ·