The Killers made headlines on February 22, 2025, with their electrifying cover of John Fogerty’s classic ‘Centerfield’ during their headline set at the Innings Festival held at Tempe Beach Park, Arizona. This festival, themed around the beloved sport of baseball, coincided perfectly with spring training, drawing fans of both music and baseball.
The Las Vegas band kicked off their much-anticipated show on the Home Plate stage with the familiar strains of ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’, setting the perfect baseball atmosphere for their audience. Following this spirited opener, frontman Brandon Flowers took center stage, proclaiming, “Put me in, coach/I’m ready to play today/Look at me, I can be centerfield” as they transitioned seamlessly to 'Centerfield'. This song, widely recognized as the soundtrack to countless baseball games across the United States, instantly ignited the crowd's enthusiasm.
The Killers did not stop there. They followed up with some of their greatest hits, including ‘Mr. Brightside’, ‘Smile Like You Mean It’, ‘Human’, and ‘When We Were Young’. Despite the chilly February evening, the energy radiated from the stage, captivating the festival-goers. The band’s setlist took fans through their extensive catalog, played live as the backdrop of the Arizona night lit up with flashing lights.
Other notable performances at the Innings Festival included artists like Beck, The Black Keys, Incubus, and The Kills, all contributing to the festival’s lively celebration of music and baseball. The Killers have carved out their niche with energetic performances, and their choice to cover ‘Centerfield’ was particularly fitting for the eclectic lineup.
Reflecting on their heartfelt performance, Flowers later shared images from the show on Instagram, echoing his earlier sentiments with the caption: “Put me in coach,” reiterate his playful embrace of the cover song and the spirit of the festival.
This year’s Innings Festival was especially significant, following last year’s headliners, which included the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Hozier. Fans were eager to see how this year's lineup would measure up, and The Killers did not disappoint. The band’s ability to engage the audience surely made their performance one of the highlights of the festival.
Add to their live performance buzz, Flowers recently hinted at new music during his chat with NME. He disclosed, “I’m making a solo record right now! I almost had it wrapped up. It’s different. I feel like it embodies a little bit of my first two solo records, but obviously there’s so much more living I’ve done in the seven years since my last effort.” He shared his excitement for what is to come musically, which promises to be influenced by his personal growth and experiences over the years.
While the specifics of The Killers’ upcoming album remain under wraps, Flowers indicated it would likely pursue the heartfelt and introspective sound found on their last album, 2021's ‘Pressure Machine’. He commented on this direction, saying, “I realized the vehicle I want to ride had less synthesizers and less laser beams! I’m trying to figure out how to create something authentic to who I am and how I’m feeling.” This artistic evolution is something many fans look forward to as the band continues to define their sound.
When asked about the thematic focus of his songwriting, Flowers emphasized relationships and emotional resilience. “I’ve been gravitating toward relationships and what it takes for people to really make it, trying to work through the things people go through,” he said, illustrating the depth of his incoming work.
The Killers also generated excitement among fans by announcing the release of their live recording featuring Bruce Springsteen’s guest appearance at Madison Square Garden for Record Store Day 2025. The release, titled ‘The Killers & Bruce Springsteen Encore At The Garden’, will feature only 5,000 pressings of their three-song encore performed together on October 1, 2022. The anticipation for this limited-edition release adds to the collective excitement surrounding the band’s activities.
Looking forward, The Killers are not slowing down anytime soon. They are also slated to headline Summerfest 2025 alongside prominent artists such as Megan Thee Stallion and Hozier, making their upcoming performances highly anticipated events for fans of all genres.
Indeed, the Innings Festival showcased The Killers’ ability to blend the nostalgic essence of classic rock with modern themes and sensibilities. The choice of 'Centerfield’ as their cover was more than just appropriate; it demonstrated their affinity for nostalgic Americana music coupled with their own distinct rock flair. The audience, both old and new fans alike, experienced not just music, but also the emotional ties it conjures, as baseball and rock ’n' roll came together for one memorable night.
With their dynamic presence and commitment to authenticity, The Killers continue to evolve as artists, leaving fans eager to see what’s next. Whether through live performances or new musical projects, the band remains dedicated to pushing their creative boundaries.