The Killers apologize for bringing Russian fan on stage in former Soviet state of Georgia

American rock band The Killers has issued an apology after bringing a Russian fan on stage while playing a concert in the Eastern European country of Georgia, a former Soviet state.

The Tuesday show at the Black Sea Resort of Batumi was part of the band’s European tour, which comes to a close early next month.

During the performance, front man Brandon Flowers invited a Russian drummer from the audience on stage, part of what the band called “a longstanding tradition of inviting people to play drums” in a subsequent Facebook post.

Social media clips show Flowers asking the crowd if they are “okay” with a Russian coming on stage, which prompts buzz from the audience. Soon, loud boos can be heard coming from the crowd, along with jeers such as “This is Georgia!” and “F***Russia!”

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In an apparent attempt to calm the crowd, videos show Flowers saying: "One of the things we have come to appreciate about being in this band is it brings people together,” followed by, “I see you as my brother and my sisters,” which drew even harsher boos from the crowd.

Several clips also show concertgoers walking out of the show after Flowers’ comments.  

Georgia has a long, contentious history with neighboring Russia, which once occupied the transcontinental nation during the reign of the Soviet Union. Following the Russo-Georgian war of 2008, some Russian-occupied territories in Georgia hung on and remain today, covering up to 20% of what has been considered Georgian land.

These existing tensions were exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which resulted in thousands of Russians fleeing over the border into Georgia.

'Never our intention to offend anyone!'

The Killers posted a statement on their Facebook page yesterday, saying: “Good people of Georgia, it was never our intention to offend anyone!”

The apology went on to explain the tradition of bringing fans on stage to play drums and said the band misinterpreted initial audience reactions, saying it “seemed from the stage that the initial response from the crowd indicated that they were okay with tonight’s audience participation member coming onstage with us.”

“We recognize that a comment, meant to suggest that all of The Killers’ audience and fans are ‘brothers and sisters,’ could be misconstrued,” the post continued. “We did not mean to upset anyone and we apologize. We stand with you and hope to return soon.”

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While some comments below the post gave the band grace, many were less forgiving, criticizing its members for not doing research on a country before performing there.

“It was a very disrespectful decision to bring a Russian drummer on a stage to a country, who’s been occupied by Russia!!” read one comment, “Better to do research on a country before visiting and show respect! I’m glad that majority of the people left the concert after that insult!”

“Well, at least read something about the country you’re visiting! yes we all are sisters and brothers but not Russia!!!!!!” read another.

The Killers did not immediately respond to request for comment. They are still scheduled to proceed with their European tour, which is stopping next in Bratislava, Slovakia.