The Beatles did it first. Next year it’s Elvis’ turn, with another king, Michael Jackson, waiting in the wings right behind him.
As a hometown boy, being the focus of a future Las Vegas spectacle doesn’t smack entirely of hubris. Directed by Sophie Muller, the video for the U2-conjuring “Only The Young” was filmed at Le Rêve at Wynn Las Vegas, a show concepted by former Cirque du Soleil creative director Franco Dragone. As acrobatic performers circle around and above him, Flowers rightfully remains the center of attention in the clip. He’s flanked by fire, lit by lightning, and is several times nearly swallowed up in a thick haze, while remaining remarkably dry even in drenching rain. (The disco-ball-as-sun is my favorite moment, with Flowers playing Creator.)
Plus, Flowers looks pretty damn dapper in the role of ringmaster (has any other musician ever worn a skinny suit so well?), so if The Killers’ frontman knows of some way to be forever frozen in time, I’ll buy my tickets to his distant desert showcase today.
