Quote of the Day
Filed under: Brandon Flowers
"We’ve been embraced in Britain in a way that I’ll never understand, and it’s such a wonderful thing. But over here [in America], people are still so obsessed with Led Zeppelin and Nirvana, those sorts of bands, that nobody else is allowed [to grow]. It’s not just us; there are a lot of great bands that have been held down or confined by the influence of these people that we’ve put up on pedestals. I’m tired of it, you know? I just want to knock them all off! And people don’t like that attitude. It’s almost like they don’t believe that it’s possible that anybody else can be the real deal."
- The Killers' Brandon Flowers tells Entertainment Weekly
[Image via WENN.]
Posted: May 14, 2009 at 11:45 am
I love The Killers.
If Kurt Cobain and Led Zeppelin (also The Beatles) are on pedestals, it's because they totally deserve to be there!
woah, i've always my problems understanding the meaning behind brendon's comments.
i do understand what he says, but somehow i don't get what he wants to say.
what a little bitch
your no roger plant my dear.. by far..
fucking shut the fuck up!!
just because no one likes your music doesn't mean that it's america's fault. maybe people still obsess over led zepellin and nirvana because their music is timeless as opposed to your band's bullshit "music".
I like "The killers" they are a good band…just good.
Led Zeppelin and Nirvana are in a complete different level, they are gods!!!
I'm very dissapointed, Brandon Flower's comment sounds bitter and full of envy.
i dont think america limits the growth of artists because of the pedastal we put bands like nirvana and led zeppelin on. we consider those bands iconic because we can look back at a body of work and their influence on the music that followed. if anything they created a standard for artists to strive for. If Brandon Flowers wants to be placed with the likes of those bands, he needs to continue to evolve and realize that kind of recognition comes with innovation. If anyone is limiting the growth of the Killers, it is the Killers.
He looks like Ben Afflecks retarded twin.
So how does the gimp wonder explain Silversun Pickups, they're doing rather well for a new band. And Green Day doesn't seem to be held down by the masses because they prefer Led Zep and Nirvana.
Hrmm.. could it have something to do with the fact that most thought the second Killers album was pile of crap?
Poor Ben, his slow bus twin just doesn't get it.
The Killers bore me…
Re: shaashiie –
they started grunge that's why.. and songs/videos were killer
Re: mrs. bojangles –
i agree
Re: CAF – AMEN!!!!
This quote is about 6 months old and came out just after their last album. I guess anyone can have their own celeb blog site, just by surfing the net and buy crap mags and borrowing/ copying and pasting other ppls work! Credit where credit isnt due!
idec abt the quote. that pic is afriggindorable!
His comment doesn't really make sense. The Killers remind me of 80's alternative stuff not rock. It would make more sense if he said Americans were obsessed with Flock of Seagulls or Human League. Anyway if he thinks Americans being obsessed with Zep or Nirvana stop new bands from Britain gaining ground, how does he explain Coldplay's success? Think he's fooled himself into this mind set. Easier to delude yourself than admit that maybe your not as good as you think you are.
Does anyone acually read these quotes correctly?? He is not comparing himself or his band to Led Zeppelin or Nirvana he's saying that people are still stuck on these bands and they've been put up on pedestals and that those that listen to them normally wont listen to other bands because they are still stuck on these bands. He is saying that in Britain they are more open to music, more accepting and here people just constantly compare you to these band and if you don't live up to them you're considered crap, and not given a chance! Its that hard to understand?? Its true, as most of you have just demonstrated. He isn't comparing himself to these bands cause first of all he doesn't want to because their music is different their music isn't trying to immitate them they just want to to do their own thing.
The Killers are a great band! They are amazing live, and it's as simple as that, if you dont' like them then whatever but get over yourselves. Why limit yourselves to the same thing? There is a lot of great music out there.
[vomits]
Re: hazel08005 – uummm. that would be robert plant.
Well, you know what? I fucking love Nirvana!
I'm not living in the past because I wasn't even born when Nirvana or Led Zep was around.
We're not stuck on past bands, I'm completely open to current bands, as everyone else is.
The Killers haven't proven/done anything special that seperates them from the crowd.
UGHHH Zeppelin is Classic, they changed music. why didn't he say that the beatles suck too???
there are way better bands out there today than the killers like ted leo, sufjan stevens and my morning jacket. Anyone can play a catchy synthesizer they're not changing music, they're just being mediocre.
still so obsessed with led zeppelin?? ha!!!!!!
both zep and nirvana, each on their own way, made something new and important about music… the killers are just another band this days. They're good… i personally am not their fan, but i don't think they're anywhere close to led zeppelin.
Re: Mari9924 – OMG, that's what I'M saying!! KUDOS!!!!!!!!!!!! But you know what's funny, someone very close to me (talented musician) just said to me the other day that he loves Brandon (and the rest of the band of course) because he is the closest thing there is to a modern day Freddie Mercury. With his style and all… Hope you know some DO look past those bands and are VERY appreciative, Mr. Flowers! =)
Re: Mari9924 – all true.
Or maybe America just thinks you suck. Whiny twat.
I love the killers, there one of my favorite bands, but Brandon really needs to get it out of his head that the killers are rock. There pop!!!! He's says too many dumb things. He's basically dissing us (as in americans) but he was upset at green day for being "un-american" or something like that. He jsut needs to shut up and make a awesome album like hot fuss. Well at least he looks hot in that pic!
i think this quote is at least 4 months old.
and by the way, i am european, and i think the killers are shit. and no, i do not listen to led zepplin or nirvana, or brintney spears, or lady gaga.
there are in fact tons of bands out there who do not get the attention they deserve. no matter what country they're from, no matter in which land they're currently touring.
you should invade youtube from time to time and listen to alle the great songs that went unheard (and read all the whining because the bands have broken up before they became famous - or were understood) the killers are not one of them - the first single (is there more?) of their album sounds as if broken whatsoever are/is trying to sing. awfull, really. he's too full of himself. go listen to faith no more f.e., then you'll realize what musical genius is.
o boo fucking hoo
move to england if you love it so much you creepy arsehole
and by the way - i give tem their right to exist, but not the right to whine - they still get more attention than they deserve - so just shut up and take what you get.
What a WHINER! This guy has a serious jealousy issue with Nirvana - this is the second negative comment I've read this month. The reason he's no big deal in the States is because he's uninteresting and his music is unoriginal. He wants to be a rock star, but he's one step above a boy-bander.
Hey Brandon - If it's true that all new artists are repressed because of the big bands that came before him, then how 'come every time Jack White forms a new band, it's an instant hit. Could it possibly be because he's TALENTED? And not a big baby whiner?
Seattle alone has produced a wide variety of music acts from all genres-Hendrix, the Sonics, Heart, Queensryche, Nirvana/other grunge acts, The Presidents of the USA, Modest Mouse, MXPX, Dave Matthews, Death Cab for Cutie… how can he say the US isn't accepting of new acts? Seattle alone disproves that theory! Get over it dude!
omg, wth is he talking about?? his "music" and "band" can't even be compared or put in the same category as Led Zeppelin!!
Re: UGH! –
Exactly, they are great guys those Killers, People love them, musician, they have a lot of respect for them. I mean they work with some amazing people. Elton John, and Lou Reed, not to mention they've played with Coldplay and U2. These people have nothing but nice things to say about them. Oh and lets not forget that Brandon got to sing with the Pet Shop Boys. I mean people over-react and totally misread what he has to say. Brandon isn't really a public speaker. He stumbles on his words, he doesn't believe he's better than musicians before him he just thinks that people should be more willing to give them a chance. Plus did everyone forget that they are a Grammy nominated band??
WHAT THE HELL DOES HE HAVE AGAINST NIRVANA
seriously i love the killers and i enjoy brandon flowers but he has a problem with nirvana and i just don't understand why??
because today's music is shit!!!!!!!!!!! so why dont you just shut the fuck up because everyones not obsessed with your shitty band
So true.
Yeah that's right Braindead Flowhore you whiny bitch…the most popular bands in america are all you pretenteous, fake-ass, shit-hound dicks…
When is the last time you saw a Zepplin or Nirvana video on MTV?
Probably back when Kurt died and those bottom-feeding vultures needed to cash in on it…
I am sick to fucking death of One-hit wonders like this who get popular overnight and then spend the rest of thier undeserved careers crying about how they wished people understood how cool they were…
I like the Killers, but BF's obsession/jealousy of Nirvana has to stop. He will not shut up about them.
Wow I used to like the Killers but what a douche bag thing to say how can he compare himself to Nirvana or Led Zeppelin and since when are those bands keeping new artists from being popular??? Have some respect dude maybe people are just over your shitty ass band…
Actually, there aren't "a lot of great" bands because "Great" means unique and special. And if you guys haven't had the success of, say, Nirvana, I suggest you ramp up the music out of yawn-pop and do something special, ya dig? Oh yeah, that would take some talent, wouldn't it? Guess you're out of luck!
Isn't this the second time he's criticized Nirvana? He should leave them the fuck alone.
.
The Killers are good, but they're not going to be remembered in the same way as Nirvana or Zeppelin. Also, they're new stuff kinda sucks. It's too pop.
I find it interesting that that Brandon has made comments concerning Green Day and their "anti-American" attitude while performing "American Idiot" overseas, when he continually slaps his vast, American fans in the face with these "America just doesn't get us like the UK does..blah blah blah" comments. As a long-time Killers and Brandon fan..I find it very disheartening. It's very much a "bite the hand the feeds you" sort of thing to say..something you would expect more out of a less experienced performer. Apparently to Brandon, sold out shows with screaming, singing all their songs verbatim, etc isn't enough for him. So in the future..when he's on stage in the US..telling the audience how wonderful they are for supporting the band and how much that means to him (insincerely)..I'll be at home rockin' out to Zeppelin or Nirvana. What an absolute ingrate.
aww my he is so cute and he is such a genuine and true person. actually the whole band is which is why they are my favorite band ever
GEEE I didnt know Led Zeppelin originated from Kalamaoo??? Did you guys! What a bleeping idiot this guy is!!!
Again, if you read the quote, they are not saything they are like Led Zeppelin and Nirvana, he's basically saying you just wont let any other music in.
Its times like this one that I love being British.
I'm sick of everyone saying The Killers are "too pop" and "not rock enough". Can't they be both? It's as if a rock band can't write pop music because that's not trendy. I like the fact that The Killers don't disregard any genre because it's supposedly not rock 'n' roll enough, because that's what poseurish bands do. Which is kinda what Brandon's saying here - everyone's trying to be the next Nirvana or Led Zeppelin instead of just doing their own thing. The Killers are one of the few original bands around today, so fuck all you haters.
poor baby…
Beatles, Rolling stones, Iron Maiden, Led Zeplin, Sex Pistols, the Police etc. all great bands from the Uk so the British obviously know what makes a gr8 band. If the Killers and Kings of Leon are big in UK then US should be loving it too. Americans love music that sucks like jonas bros (who pretty much flopped in Uk)
Re: edwardsheroin – First off, it is absolutely ridiculous to say that the US doesn't integrate/embrace other new bands, and that as a whole, the country is still stuck on old bands, unwilling to see what's new. Really the only thing that the UK has to offer is more classically trained musicians due to better schooling, in regards to music and arts. That is where the US lacks. So good for you. Secondly, this is maybe the second or third time Brandon has insinuated that us Americans just don't understand music. That's a "him" problem. He's from Las Vegas. I lived there briefly…and they're honestly all insane. I chalk that up to why he repeatedly says stupid things in interviews. But all said…I'm so glad I'm American. Cheerio!!
that's true
I FUCKING MET HIM!!!!!!!!! HES GORGEOUS IN REAL LIFE AND HE WAS ALSO WEARING THIS JACKET!
But I loooove the Killers what is he talking about
i love nirvana to but I wouldnt put them in the same category
but I do love me some brandon flowers =]
they are an amazing band
I hate to say it cause I love the bands he is talkign about, but he is right. People in america are so stuck on like the same 5 things! and I say that as an american… many of the bands that got big here, got big years earlier over in Britian, and when people here lose interest, the british and europeon, and really anywhere other than the US (and Canada sometimes) are still loyal. They love the old stuff and embrace the new. Its not all americans, just in general.
And why is there only like one "IN" thing at a time, like if rap is big, you cant like rock or pop. Now its like punk pop/rock and garage type bands (though R&B is getting bigger again)
First off, Nirvana is way overrated. Just want to get that out of the way. And Led Zeppelin is probably one of the greatest rock bands to ever exist. Maybe it's not that America "doesn't get you", which I'm sure the fans that you do have in this country REALLY appreciate you saying. Maybe your band is just mediocre, at best! I'm sorry, but it's not about living in the past. It's that music back then is infinitely better than it is today- the musical quality, the lyricism, the meaning! Today the charts are filled with Kanye West, who apparently should meet with this guy and talk about how great they are.
This quote infuriates me so much that I can't even organize my thoughts. If The Killers want to be remembered and respected then they need to make great fucking music. I'm living in the past because the music from that time period is wayyyy better than the shit gracing radios today. I'd kill to be around for Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. What happened to people who could actually play and rock the shit out of their instruments?!
he's so hot
Maybe if the killers were actually GOOD they'd have a chance up against those classic rock bands. whiny little baby.
Re: pootrain –
Nirvana isn't fucking overrated. If they were overrated, kids my age would love them. Which they don't (they don't even know who they are!), i just happen to be rare ^_^
Seriously, I never hear a Nirvana song on the Hits Radio Station, nor do I see any of their music videos on TV.
nobody listens to the killers anymore because they suck. only their first album was good. their songs now have no meaning. oh and guess what brandon?! i'm listening to some nirvana right now…because they actually HAVE talent!
that's because your band sucks, Led Zeppelin and Nirvana we're TALENTED and made a lasting impact on music, not BULLSHIT TRENDY CRAP that will pass out of mind and time soon like you.
okey, so just because that the killers are not rock, they suck? how does that make any sense?