“A Dustland Fairytale” beginning...

It all began on April 19, 2007 when I saw The Killerslive for the first time. Five years and sixteen (including soloshows) later, that night remains the most magical night ofmy life. The one thing that made this experience so specialis that I went into it with zero expectations. It was as ifeverything came into place and suddenly I found myselfin this new and beautiful world. This world has sincebeen my main source of inspiration. My music journeywith The Killers taught me everything I know about following my life passions and dreams.

4.19.07

It has been five years since my first Killers showand although the details are becoming hazy, I willnever forget exactly how I felt. I remember gazing upat the lights, wishing that the night would never end.I was absolutely mesmerized by The Killers’ exhilarating music and Brandon Flowers’ stage presence as aperformer. His passion radiated to every single soulin the crowd. I felt every emotion behind every songon this perfect night. This concert was a spiritualexperience for me and changed my life forever.

Hollywood, FL

#1

+176.6 miles

I wasn’t shopping for a doll.To say the least, I thought I’d seen them all.

Then, you took me by surprise...

SPIN

Earth h

eld a vi

deo con

test for

“The K

illers Su

perfan.”

I was

chosen

as one

of the

Top 5 F

inalists

for my

entry!

If you can hold on,

After that first concert, I went two long years without seeing The Killers live. I remember checking their site every single day hoping

for a Florida gig announcement. During that time, my passion for the band intensified when I joined their fan club, The Victims, and found an

amazing community.

If you can hold on,

5.08.09 Finally, two years later, I traveled toNew Jersey to see The Killers. It was a beautifulnight and my first show of the Day & Age tour.The confetti during “All These Things That I’veDone” and the fireworks during “When YouWere Young” were stunning moments. I met many “Victims” and this show and even met Dave Keuning, their lead guitarist! I was beyond thrilled and couldn’t wait until The Killers would come to back to Florida. Camden, NJ

#2

+2,210.40 miles

I wanna

BREATHEthat

FIREagain.

Outside, the sun is shining.

It seems like heaven ain’t far away.

Three nights of puremagic and euphoria were ahead.After months of planning, weheld up glow-in-the-dark “Bones” gloves and paid homage to the “Read My Mind” video by blowing up black balloons during the gig. I was elated to be surrounded by so many passionate fans and to meet Ronnie, their drummer!

10.01.09

Orlando, FL

#3

+114.6 miles

I’ll never forget finally getting one of Ronnie’s drumsticks, and hearing the “electric” version of Sam’s Town for the second night in a row.

Tampa was one of my

all-time

favorite Killers sh

ows. I was already

on cloud nine fro

m the soundcheck

and miraculously, the n

ight just

kept getting bet

ter.

The emotion, And the stars, they all aligned.

it was electric.

10.02.09Tampa, FL#4+85.8 miles

I’m gonnaclimb that symphony home

& make it mine.

The Soundcheck Everyday, I dreamt ofhearing my favorite Killers song.“Sweet Talk” live. This is a songthey rarely perform. “Sweet Talk” has given me the utmost strengthand courage to overcome my fears.

This was one of the luckiestdays of my life as I was able togo to The Killers’ soundcheckwith only 7 other fans in thehuge arena. They were to performtwo songs. The first was theircollaboration with Chairlift, andthen Brandon said they were goingto perform an acoustic versionof “Human.”

Then, as I held up my SweetTalk sign that I brought the night before,Brandon said to me, “Oh was thatyou from last night?”

After requesting the song, I heardthe opening notes play and tears of joyfilled my eyes. I couldn’t believe whatwas happening. The Killers played thissong just for me. This was honestly oneof the most magical and happiest momentsof my life. I still think it was a dream.

10.03.09 This was a very emotional night for me, as I had beenliving in this fantasy world for the past three days and tonightwas The Killers’ final US concert of their Day & Age tour.The band kept talking of an upcoming break, so I knew thiswould be the last time I’d see them live for a few years. I knew I had to cherish these glorious moments.

Miami, FL#5

+600.8 miles

I could stay here all night& watch the clouds from the sky.FALL

My idol, BrandonFlowers, came out after the show to sign merchandise for the fans.

I had been dreamingof this moment of years.

When it was finally my turn, I shook his hand and thanked him for playing Sweet Talk at the soundcheck (he signed the poster).

Wait for something bbetter...

To be honest with you, I didn’treally consider this to be “meeting”Brandon Flowers, as there was a crazy mob of fans and a huge gate.

My dream “meeting” meantactually getting to talk to him anda picture.

I just can’t look.It’s killing me

it’s taking control.& When I saw The Killers three nights in a row, I was onone of the biggest life highs. Shortly after, I felt the lowest of lows thinking about how it would be years until I wouldever see them live again. It was such a surreal experiencethat I thought I’d never get to relive since they were goingon a huge break.

My mom sincerely said that if The Killers ever go tothe Philippines (where we’re from) that we’d go. I never accepted that this could ever come true, especially since they’veonly been to Japan before. It just seemed like a pipe dream.

Then, The Killers announced an Asia tour including theirfirst ever concert in the Philippines. I was filled with so much hope and love. We were going to see them in the Philippines, Japan, and Korea.

I can’t begin to describe all of the extensive preparationswe did for this trip. I even started to learn Japanese. Every day I would continue counting down.

Yet, I also sacrificed a lot to be able to go to these shows. I planned my entire Spring semester around this and sacrificed taking two classes required for my major. By doing so, I knew I’d have to take a summer class and give up any internship opportunities. I knew everything would be worth it to be able to “breathe that fire again.” These shows are a source of renewal, inspiration, and hope for me. It would all be so worth it.

Seven days before we were set to leave for the Philippines, The Killers cancelled their entire Asia tour due to “unforeseen circumstances.” My world was flipped upsidedown and it was one of the first times I was truly shattered and sincerely lost all hope. I was devastated that I would sacrifice so much just to see a few concerts. The entire semester was pointless.I was so upset that they wouldn’t provide a reason.

When I found out that they cancelled the tour becauseBrandon’s mom had passed away, I felt so silly and selfish. Thesewere just trivial concerts. It put everything in perspective for me. Brandon persevered and went on to close the Day & Age tour in Australia. I truly admire him and his strength really shows why he is my idol.

I see London.

Over Spring break, my mom and I traveled to my ultimate music mecca, London. This was another dream fulfilled! The first placewe visited was the Royal Albert Hall, where The Killers filmed their first live DVD.

The sun is gone

before it

shines. At the end of the semester, a mysteriouscountdown appeared on The Killers’ website.There was no information, only that somethingwould be revealed on April 29.

The most beautiful instrumental musicstreamed on the site. It evoked a feeling thatsomething would be coming. It was hopefuland ethereal.

I couldn’t help but feel like somethingamazing was coming.

I was in New Orleans,seeing Julian Casablancas.I captured this picture as weheaded back to the hotel to see what the countdownwould reveal.

Brandon Flowers wouldbe releasing a solo album!

I couldn’t be happier. We were off to see Brandon in Las Vegas and San Francisco! I couldn’t wait to explore Las Vegas, the ultimate destination for any Killers fan.

I went to Sam’s Town for the first time. Sam’s Town ismy favorite album and it represents my musical home,a place I can always return to.

Las Vegas, NV#6+2,573.1 miles

I see Sam’s Town

holds my hand

and lets my hai

r down,

rolls that world

right off my sho

ulder.

I see London, I

see Sam’s Town

now.

It’s funny how you just break

downwaiting on some sign.

I pull up to the front of your driveway with magic

soaking myspine.

On August 15, 2010, I finally met my idol, BrandonFlowers.

I look up to Brandon for so many reasons. He writesthe most beautiful and introspective lyrics that inspire and speak to me. He inspires me on a daily basis to be everything I could possibly be. He makes me wantto be a better person.

After everything that had happened, to meet this manin Las Vegas was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. He was so gracious and kind. I cried so many tears of joy.

After the entire Asia tour cancellation, I never thought something like this could happen. I can’t even describe howit felt. One of my greatest dreams was to meet Brandon Flowers., my idol who changed my life.

Our dreams will break the boundaries of our fears.

Andthe sun

will shineagain.

8.15.10

I was so thankful to be at the first solo Flamingo show atsuch an intimate venue.

At the Las Vegas show, I met some of the most amazingpeople you could ever know. Music brings people togetherin the most powerful ways.

Higher and higher,we’re gonna take it down tothewire.

8.17.10 I wasn’t able to get tickets to the Los Angeles show, as it sold out in minutes. I tried for months on end. However, due to perseverance and never giving up, I was able to get a ticket just one hour before doors opened!

Los Angeles, CA#7 +270.4

miles

8.18.10 I couldn’t believe my luck.98.7 LA Radio was hosting a privateBrandon Flowers performance for onlyabout 20 people. I kept trying to win tickets, but it was too difficult. I randomly decided to call them to seeif they had any left. When they found out that I had traveled from Florida with my mom, they put me on the guest list! The performance was extremely intimate and I was able to meet Brandon again. I was on a life high.

This

feeling

won’t go.

Los Angeles, CA

#8

+11.7 miles

8.19.10

This had already been the greatest week of my life.I met Brandon 3 times and saw him live 4 times within just 5 days. Everything that happened was beyond my expectations and wildest dreams.

The San Francisco show was bittersweet for me, becauseI never wanted these life changing moments to end. I felt moreinspired than ever. I am so thankful.

Tell them

that I’ve

made

the journ

ey.

San Francisco, CA#9+3,386.6 miles

Looking backat sunsets on the East side,

Wetrackofthelos

t

time.11.26.10

We were off to the East coast for four more shows and round two of our Flamingo journey. I was so excited to reunite with great friends and hear my second favorite song of all time, “Only the Young.” We spent countless hours in line in thefreezing cold as we dubbed this leg of the tour, “Freezingfor Flowers.” At Boston, I met Brandon again as I hadone of the most surreal conversations ever.

Boston, MA#10+1,403.7 miles

Smilelike you mean it.

Atlantic Ci

ty, NJ

#11

+340.9 mile

s

11.27.10 I was still deliriously happy from the night before. It was time for another glorious show; this time in Atlantic City.

The night was brilliant and also bizarre, which kept us full of smiles and laughter.

Openup

my eager eyes.

11.28.10

This show in Philadelphiawas one of my absolute favorites. We threw poker cardsin the air for “Jilted Lovers& Broken Hearts,” and pouredour hearts out as we sang alongto the “Mr. Brightside” remix.Along with an acoustic versionof “Read My Mind,” this wasa perfect setlist.

Philadelphia, PA

#12+62 miles

The sky was blue

Let me be your comet, I will fly.

& the night was all I wanted.

11.29.10

Washington

, DC

#13

+1,096.9

miles

The entire Northeast tour was spectacular. It was full of so many surreal moments. A year later, I still can’t graspall that happened. I was so lucky to be able to share these miraculous moments with great fans and friends who could share in my happiness.

I met Brandon a few more times and had the opportunity to ask him several questions, including some I had about certain lyrics.

He is so kind to his fans and I am eternally grateful.

So long to devotion,you taught me

everything

4.16.11

Las Vegas, NV

#14

+4,596.6 miles

I know.

I know.

I really wanted to end the Flamingo tour where it started for me, in Las Vegas.

My ninth Flamingo show wasvery introspective. I felt like everything had come full circle. Brandon ended the show by graciously thanking the crowd for allowing him to do what he loves most, music.

Tears filled my eyes as he sang an acoutsic version of “When You Were Young,” and I was reminded of exactly how much I learned from this music journey.

No matter what, it’s always worth it.

I got the green light. The Killers brought me many friendships. Along the way,I met so many passionate and creative people who challenged me to think of the world in new ways. I found people who I could truly relate to. These people changed everything for me and helped me find myself. One friend, in particular, inspired me to find my passions and achieve life goals through her selfless and loving ambitions.

The Killers gave me the courage to pursue my passions and live a fulfilling life.

The Killers taught me that no matter what, all dreams are within reach.

Destiny is truly kind. The Killers’ first US concert in over two years tookplace only two hours away from me, in Orlando.

Orlando, FL#15

+114.6 miles

Destinyis calling me.

11.11.11

This concert fell within one of the most amazing and rewarding months of my entire life.

I got soul,but I’m not a soldier.

11.12.11 This was the first time I’ve seen The Killers at a festival.

During “All These Things That I’ve Done,”there was the most miraculous explosion of

confetti that filled the sky and arenafor minutes. This song truly embodies

the remarkable human spirit as thousands joined harmoniously to sing,

“I got soul, but I’m not a soldier.”

Orlando, FL

#16

+114.6 miles

Our dreams will breakthe boundaries of our fears.

So many things have changed since the beginning of this profound music journey. I feel so fulfilled witheverything I have learned along the way.

Yet, I will never forget the impact this band hashad on my life. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the sameperson if it weren’t for the beauty of their music.My world is forever rewewed and filled with hopethrough their songs.

“Thank you forever, good night.”