When we heard the familiar “clap, clap, clap clap clap” of John Fogerty’s classic baseball-themed tune “Centerfield” , which followed the walkout music of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” we thought: what a perfect interlude for a band to kick-start the final set at the 2025 Innings Festival.
However, The Killers quickly surpassed our expectations by performing a full-scale cover of the 1985 classic—marking the first time they had ever played the song live.
An immaculate inning. Nine pitches, three up, three down.
The band, consisting of Dave Keuning, guitar and backing vocals, Ronnie Vannucci Jr. on drums, and Mark Stoermer on bass guitar, looked like a typical rock band from the early-2000’s, with Vannucci Jr. supporting a jersey for local Major League Baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The band’s frontman looked and sounded like a time-traveling crooner from the 1950s, with his crisp grey jacket, ever-present made-for-television smile, and effortless swagger.
“Hello, Phoenix. My name is Brandon Flowers and I’ll be your host this evening,” the singer told the Arizona crowd.
“How is everything going so far? You find everything you’re looking for? If I can be of assistance throughout this night, feel free. Just ask. After all, we’re The Killers and we’re in the service industry.”
Flowers added: “Now, I heard you people ordered up a good time tonight? Is that right? Coming right up.”
From there, the Las Vegas rockers wasted no time grabbing the audience’s attention, following up the Fogerty opener with their most recognizable tune, “Mr. Brightside.”
“Phoenix, Arizona—hello! What do you want? Tempe? Phoenix? Arizona?” Flowers asked the crowd.
“We are your fellow desert rats—we’re from Las Vegas, Nevada, if you didn’t know. We’re just a little dirtier than you; I think it has something to do with our taxes. I don’t know. You still got your voices left? You wanna sing with me a little bit? Alright, let’s test it out.”
Photographer Chris Phelps captured some stunning images from their performance:
