During a recent concert, The Killers singer Brandon Flowers was visibly frustrated after a crowd in the Black Sea country of Georgia voiced their disapproval of his labeling a Russian man their "brother."
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For those who are in need of a quick history lesson, the country of Georgia has been struggling against the Russian bear for over 200 years, finally gaining its independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, after Russia's invasion of the country in 2008 that left 20% of its territory occupied, diplomatic relations have since been severed and a deep distrust remains. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has also caused a flood of its citizens to flee into the country, further inflaming social and cultural tensions.
Deep breath...
The Killers are super nice guys, and during their concerts, they like to invite fans up on stage to perform with them. At the concert outside of the coastal city of Batumi, as singer Brandon Flowers began to welcome a fan to the stage, the other attendees noticed that he was in fact Russian, not Georgian. Amid boos, Flowers questioned the crowd, “You can’t recognize that someone’s your brother? He’s not your brother? We all separate on the borders of our countries?”
Apparently, still being occupied by a country waging another war right across the sea leaves little room for "brotherhood" in the national conversation, as fans reportedly left the arena before the band finished their set.
After the concert, The Killers posted a statement on their social channels apologizing for the gaffe saying, "We recognise that a comment, meant to suggest that all of the Killers' audience and fans are 'brothers and sisters,' could be misconstrued... We did not mean to upset anyone and we apologise. We stand with you and hope to return soon." Read the full statement below.
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