The Killers have issued an apology after lead singer Brandon Flowers was booed for bringing a Russian fan on stage to play the drums at a live performance in Georgia.
The Las Vegas-formed rock band had been on the Black Sea resort of Batumi on Tuesday as a part of their European tour when Flowers invited the drummer to assist them carry out For Causes Unknown.
In footage shared on social media, Flowers may be heard saying to the gang: “We do not know the etiquette of this land however this man’s a Russian. You okay with a Russian arising right here?”
There was a blended response from the viewers – and after the track, Flowers spoke in regards to the separation of individuals by the borders of their nations, and requested the gang: “You may’t recognise if somebody’s your brother? He isn’t your brother?”
He went on: “Am I not your brother, being from America?”
“One of many issues that we’ve come to understand about being on this band is it brings individuals collectively, and tonight I need us to have fun that we’re right here collectively,” he mentioned.
“And I do not need it to show ugly. And I see you as my brothers and sisters.”
The incident prompted some individuals to reportedly depart the gig early in protest.
Georgia gained independence from Soviet rule in April 1991, and in August 2008 Russian forces invaded the nation after which Moscow gained management of two breakaway areas, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Tensions have heightened since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a subsequent inflow of Russians escaping their nation. Georgian public opinion is overwhelmingly pro-Ukrainian.
The Killers later apologised, saying “it was by no means our intention to offend anybody”.
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In an announcement posted on X (previously Twitter) on Wednesday, the band mentioned: “We recognise {that a} remark, meant to counsel that the entire Killers’ viewers and followers are ‘brothers and sisters’ might be misconstrued.
“We didn’t imply to upset anybody and we apologise.
“We stand with you and hope to return quickly.”