The Killers Apologize For ‘Brothers And Sisters’ Comment After Inviting Russian Onstage At Concert In Georgia

etcanada.com:

The Killers are trying to set things right. On Tuesday, the “Mr. Brightside” band angered concertgoers in Georgia’s port city of Batumi after inviting a Russian member of the audience onstage the play drums during a song.

After asking the crowd to welcome the Russian fan like a “brother,” lead singer Brandon Flowers and the band received boos and jeers, and many walkouts from offended Georgians. READ MORE: Swedish Singer Loreen Wins Eurovision Song Contest For 2nd Time At Event Feting Ukraine Georgia has long had a difficult relationship with Russia, which invaded the country in 2008, and currently occupies internationally recognized regions.

On Tuesday night, the band took to social media to apologize for offending fans, while attempting to clarify their intentions by the remarks. “Good people of Georgia, it was never our intention to offend anyone!” the band said in the statement. “We have a longstanding tradition of inviting people to play drums and 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,” the statement continued. “We recognize that a comment, meant to suggest that all of the Killers’ audience and fans are ‘brothers and sisters,’ could be misconstrued.

Finally, the band added, “We did not mean to upset anyone and we apologize. We stand with you and hope to return soon.” Video posted to Twitter, captured the scene at the Black Sea Arena, where Flowers had attempted a dialogue with the crowd.