The Killers to play Abu Dhabi F1 race day concert in December

The US rockers will return to the capital on the back of massive gigs already played this year

Brandon Flowers of The Killers performs live on the Pyramid stage during day four of Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 29, 2019 in Glastonbury, England. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)

It is time to make a hot fuss as The Killers are set to roar into the Abu Dhabi F1 to perform at the race day concert. Announced this morning by promoters Flash Entertainment, the Las Vegas rock group will take to the Du Arena stage on Sunday, December 1.

They join rapper Travis Scott, who plays the same venue on Friday, November 29, as part of the four after race concerts to be held during the F1 weekend.

The artists headlining the remaining two concerts of the series will be announced later in the year.

The Killers and the UAE: a success story

The Killers’s upcoming show will mark almost ten years to the day from their UAE debut, with a packed show in Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace.

In a way, their career progression over the past decade to become one of the world’s biggest bands mirrors the country’s growth into a key global concert destination.

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A month prior to the Killers concert in December 2009, the Du Arena (then called Yas Arena) opened and hosted concerts by the likes of Beyonce, Kings of Leon, Jamiroquai and Aerosmith as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi F1.

By the time The Killers made their UAE return in 2013 with a sold out gig in Dubai’s Nasimi Beach attended by more than 10,000 people, both the band and the country had established itself as entertainment industry leaders.

With their third album Day & Age topping the charts, The Killers were already hailed as a concert drawcard in 2013. In a review of that performance, The National praised the group for delivering a "bright greatest-hits set" full of modern rock anthems such as Somebody Told Me, Mr Brightside and For Reasons Unknown.

This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend takes place between November 29 and December 1. Last year’s after race concert headliners were Post Malone, The Weeknd, Sam Smith and Guns N’ Roses.

Following the online clues

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A post shared by Yas Marina Circuit (@ymcofficial)

The Killers inclusion into the F1 festivities comes on the back of a series of online clues dropped by Yas Marina Circuit’s social media channels the previous day.

The hints ranged from current developments surrounding the group to more obscure career and song references.

The first clue was the emoji of a David Bowie-esque male singer. This directly correlates with The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers who has expressed his love for the late British singer.

The second clue, which were images of a guitar and drums, denote that a rock band will be coming to Abu Dhabi. This was followed up by an emoji of a pistol, which is a reference to the band’s name.

A more intriguing clue came in the shape of an emoji dagger. While that could hint to The Killers name, it could also reference the lyrics of the well-loved 2012 single, Miss Atomic Bomb, where Flowers croons: It feels just like a dagger buried deep in your back.

Sealing the deal were the last two clues, one of which referenced their performance at last month’s Glastonbury music festival in the UK and the fact they amassed ‘over 30’ music awards – their present trophy cabinet has 32 gongs.

To attend the four Yasalam After-Race Concert performances it is necessary to purchase a ticket for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Tickets start from approximately Dh999, and rise sharply in price depending on the hospitality and access. 

Tickets are available online at www.yasmarinacircuit.com, through the Yas Marina Circuit Call Centre (800 927) or [phone], as well as through all Etihad Shops and Virgin Megastores, Yas Central Express stand at Yas Mall, and through the YasHUB smartphone app and its Facebook shop: facebook.com/yasmarinacircuit