August 24, 2023

"The Killers" Kill the Mood in Georgia


"The Killers" Kill the Mood in Georgia
Concertgoers boo the American Rock band "The Killers" in Georgia. G.Shavdatuashvili, Twitter.

On August 15, the American Rock band "The Killers" invited a Russian fan on stage to play the drums at their concert in Batumi, Georgia, stirring anger in the audience. In response, the lead singer, Brendon Flowers, referred to the Russian fan as a "brother" to Georgians. The concert was ended shortly afterward.

"The Killers" invites a fan to play the drums with them at every concert. At the Batumi concert, a Russian fan held a sign that read, "If destiny [is] kind, I'll be your drummer tonight." The sign caught Flowers' attention.

After finding out the fan was Russian, the singer said, "We don't know the etiquette of this land. This guy is a Russian. Are you guys okay with a Russian coming up here?" The answer from the crowd was no. Flowers invited the fan onto the stage anyway.

Startled by the boos, Flowers said, "You can't recognize if someone is your brother? He is not your brother?" Concertgoers walked out in protest, chanting "F*ck Russia."

Russia has a long history of aggression towards Georgia, including its 2008 invasion. Russian forces currently occupy 20 percent of Georgian land. The War in Ukraine has strained relationships with Russians living in Georgia, as Georgians identify in many ways with Ukrainians.

Radio Tbilisi has removed "The Killers" songs from the air. The Georgian "Shame Movement" posted on their Instagram an image reading, "The Killers supporting Killers." The Killers later issued an apology via social media. 

You Might Also Like

Notes at the Front
  • August 15, 2023

Notes at the Front

More poignant and brave “last words” of dissenters, and a look at one popular place (again) of exile.
  • August 15, 2023

"I Am Horrified"

The founder of Russian tech giant Yandex publicly condemns the War on Ukraine.
Georgians:
  • May 25, 2023

Georgians: "Stop The Wedding!"

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's daughter was at a wedding in Georgia. Protesters interrupted the event.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
October 01, 2013

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 
Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955