The Killers deliver record-breaking residency at The O2

The Killers sold over 105,000 tickets to their six-night residency at The O2 – the highest number for any musical act at the arena this year.

The Las Vegas-hailing band took over the 20,000-capacity London venue on 4,5,7,8,10 and 11 July as part of their Rebel Diamonds tour, celebrating their 20-year legacy.

The record-breaking residency, promoted by SJM Concerts, featured varying setlists and even included a screening of the moment England triumphed over the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the UEFA EURO 2024 on Wednesday 10 July, before The Killers launched into their biggest hit ‘Mr Brightside’.

The run concludes the UK and Ireland leg of the band’s tour, which comprised 16 arena shows (their first UK arena dates since 2017) across June and July.

The Killers are next due to perform at Fuji Rock (JP), Lollapalooza (US) and Outside Lands (US) before commencing their Hot Fuss residency in Las Vegas next month.

‘The six-night residency of The Killer at The O2 has been a phenomenal experience to be a part of,” says Matt Woolliscroft, promoter at SJM Concerts.

“Everything about the show was truly world-class”

“In the 20 years that I have been working with the band, the ‘Rebel Diamonds’ tour has seen, in my opinion, their best performances, best production and best setlists. Every night the audience reaction and energy has been incredible. The night of the Euros semi-final at The O2 was a true once in a lifetime “I was there” moment, and it was a privilege to be in the room for it. Each time they tour the UK, I am left thinking that they can’t get any better live, then the next time they come over they once again reach new heights.”

Kirk M. Sommer, global co-head of music at WME, adds: “The Killers were my first signing more than two decades ago – it was love on first listen – and they continue to break records, warm hearts, and delight fans each and every night. It is a great privilege to be a part of their team and I was so proud to share in the joy of these record-breaking shows at The O2.

“After their monumental second Glastonbury headline performance in 2019, multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world in 2022, and their stunning Reading and Leeds headline sets last year, this six-night, sold-out run at London’s The O2 was the perfect capstone to the wildly successful ‘Rebel Diamonds’ tour in UK. It is exhilarating to see 20 years of hits performed live with conviction and surprises by a band at the top of their game. The audiences were electric. Congratulations to the band and whole team.”

Emma Bownes, vice president of venue programming for AEG Europe, comments: “Everything about the show was truly world-class – from the changing setlist, to the mammoth production, and of course the moment of absolute euphoria when the band transitioned from the England Euro’s win into one of the most iconic songs of all time – Mr Brightside. It’s truly been a residency to remember, and we hope to welcome The Killers back to The O2 in the future.”

The O2 reported its busiest-ever year for residencies in 2023, with runs from Peter Kay (12 shows), Elton John (10), Micky Flanagan (9), Madonna (6) and Chris Brown (6).

“Residencies are something that are becoming more and more important in the way we programme the venue,” Bownes told IQ. Read the full interview here.

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