Even though the Killers frontman Brandon Flowers has a solo album coming out in the fall (it's called Flamingo, and it's out on September 14) and the group is officially on hiatus, they can still come together in the name of liberty. On Sunday night (July 4), the band celebrated Independence Day in style on the White House South Lawn as guests of President Barack Obama. The group played six songs ("Human," "Somebody Told Me," "Mr. Brightside," "A Dustland Fairytale," "Read My Mind" and "When You Were Young") to a crowd of military personnel as part of the second annual USO "Salute to the Military" concert alongside Brandi Carlile and Cedric the Entertainer.
"It is a monumental honour for us to be a part of this 4th of July celebration at the White House," Flowers said. "We could never repay the servicemen and women of this country for their contributions and sacrifice. To perform for them and their families on America's birthday will be our pleasure."
The Killers' visit to the White House is the latest in a long line of alternative artists who have played the unusual venue. If you recall, last summer featured Foo Fighters, another band on hiatus who were still willing to kick it around for the leader of the free world. Foo Fighters even debuted a new song ("Wheels") at the event.
Obama has also invited the likes of quirky songstress Regina Spektor and rhythmic guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela. Even if the economy never recovers and the oil spill never gets cleaned up, at least we know the iPods in the White House have excellently-curated playlists.
New York's Ra Ra Riot opened for