November 3, 2008 23:26

The Killers preview 'Day And Age' at Royal Albert Hall

Paul McCartney among those watching in London

Photo Gallery: The Killers

The Killers previewed forthcoming new album 'Day And Age' at the Royal Albert Hall in London tonight (November 3).

After playing a low-key show to warm up the night before at the intimate Bush Hall, the Las Vegas band went to the opposite extreme at the opulent venue.

Following support from Radio 1 DJs - who were broadcasting the show live - including a storming set from Zane Lowe - Brandon Flowers and co performed a pacey show watched by Paul McCartney, who danced along throughout the show and Conservative Party leader David Cameron, who took in the gig from a private box.

Performing in front of fairy lights and neon palm trees, the band opened with current single 'Human', before frontman Flowers quickly strapped on a bass guitar to join his bandmates on 'For Reasons Unknown'.

"How's it going so far? Everyone alright?" Flowers asked the crowd ahead of 'Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine', before declaring: "This place is too pretty for us!"

Following former single 'Somebody Told Me', the band introduced a song from b-side and rarities collection 'Sawdust', 'Sweet Talk', before previewing new album tracks 'Losing Touch' complete with a live saxophonist, and 'Spaceman'.

Ahead of a piano-led version of Sam's Town', drummer Ronnie Vannucci changed tops to loud screams as he revealed his chest, leading his bandmate 'Flowers' to observe: "He's a fine specimen of a man!"

Promising a "change of pace", the band later switched to the Miami Vice-infused 'Joyride', again boasting a brass backing.

'Bones' and Joy Division cover 'Shadowplay' followed quickly as The Killers worked towards the evening's climax.

"It all started for us here in London and we're very thankful," Flowers told the crowd, before launching a massive sing-a-long with an impassioned version of 'Mr Brightside'.

Leaving the stage temporarily, The Killers soon returned for an encore, switching gears into the more mellow new album track 'Neon Tiger'.

An epic 'All These Things That I've Done' followed, with the crowd again providing loud backing vocals.

"Thank you all so much for coming to see us," declared Flowers as the band concluded with 'When You Were Young'. "We're so thankful, so grateful, it's been amazing!"

The Killers played:

'Human'
'For Reasons Unknown'
'Smile Like You Mean It'
'Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine'
'Somebody Told Me'
'Sweet Talk'
'Losing Touch'
'Spaceman'
'Sam's Town'
'Read My Mind'
'Joyride'
'Bones'
'Shadowplay'
'Mr Brightside'
'Neon Tiger'
'All These Things That I've Done'
'When You Were Young'

You can watch footage
The Killers live at the Royal Albert Hall on
bbc.co.uk/radio1 now.