Brandon Flowers, the charismatic frontman of the globally renowned band The Killers, recently opened up about his latest venture—a solo country album titled “Thrasher”—in an interview with PEOPLE. Despite his status as a rock star, the 45-year-old singer remains firmly rooted in his familial and spiritual life, crediting his wife, Tana, and their three sons for keeping him grounded amid the rock and roll lifestyle.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Brandon-Flowers-7f25d5e2d2a7404aba939bacc604b19c.jpg)
In the interview, Flowers recounted a typical day off that highlights his family-oriented life. After dropping off his youngest son, Henry, for a guitar lesson, he and his eldest, Ammon, enjoyed a barbecue meal that they had timed perfectly for Henry’s return. Following their meal, the family read from the Bible before settling down to watch an episode of “The Sopranos.”
The influence of Flowers’ upbringing in rural Utah is prominently reflected in “Thrasher.” He shared that the experiences and stories from his childhood in Nephi had been somewhat pushed aside in his songwriting until they resurfaced as he matured. “As I’ve gotten older, I’m feeling more comfortable going there and trying to do some justice to those experiences,” he said, revealing a desire to authentically portray his origins in the album.
However, Flowers started his musical journey in Las Vegas, where he moved as a teenager. His interest in music ignited when his brother introduced him to notable genres like Britpop and new wave. He worked various jobs on the Strip—including busing at Caesar’s Palace—before his big break came when he answered a newspaper ad that led to forming The Killers. Reflecting on this transition, he remarked, “I never thought that I would make it. It wasn’t even a dream I had.”
The Killers gained fame with their debut album, “Hot Fuss,” launched in 2004. It featured chart-topping hits such as “Mr. Brightside,” which Flowers still enjoys performing, despite its widespread popularity. The musician expressed gratitude for his continuing creative relationship with his bandmates, noting that his increased songwriting outside of the band allows for richer collaboration when they come together.
Flowers also candidly addressed the dichotomy between his faith and the rock scene’s indulgent culture. A practicing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he has navigated the challenges posed by the expectations of both his faith and his career. Initially, he struggled with this balancing act, sometimes resorting to alcohol to cope with stage fright. However, marrying Tana in 2005 marked a turning point in his life, prompting a deeper commitment to his beliefs and a lifestyle change.
Living away from Las Vegas has been instrumental for the Flowers family, as they relocated to Park City, Utah, in 2017. This move has provided a healthier environment for their boys. Flowers appreciates the tranquil upbringing the mountains offer, contrasting it with the complexities of life in Las Vegas. He describes his two-decade relationship with Tana as a “beautiful love story” that continues to evolve, particularly as they have worked through significant challenges together.
Despite his fame, Flowers expressed a clear understanding and acceptance of the pressures of the industry. “It’s very enticing,” he said regarding rock and roll temptations. He acknowledged that without his strong family foundation, he might have succumbed to the pitfalls faced by other musicians.
As the release of “Thrasher” approaches, Flowers is optimistic about the future. In a recent statement, he hinted at questioning how long he wishes to pursue the rock star lifestyle, acknowledging the inevitability of an expiration date. Yet, he remains focused on the present, with plans for a forthcoming Killers album and possible world tour. Reflecting on his career, he stated, “I feel like I’m a keeper of tradition. I hope [listeners] hear that in the music and this torch we’re attempting to carry.”
The excitement surrounding “Thrasher” is palpable, and its authenticity draws listeners in. Flowers aims to carry forward the essence of his rural upbringing while creating enduring music that resonates with fans. As he balances the multiple facets of his life—artist, husband, and father—he continues to inspire through his musical journey and personal growth.