The Killers' new album is inspired by Sir Elton John's hits

The group's frontman Brandon Flowers recently met the 'Crocodile Rock' star's songwriting partner Bernie Taupin and took some tips from him on creating "epic" tracks.

30 July 2012
Speaking about one of the group's new songs, 'Miss Atomic Bomb', Brandon told NME magazine: "There's a very iconic picture of the first Miss Atomic Bomb. A mushroom cloud-shaped bathing suit is covering her breasts. It's a beautiful picture of this woman in the desert. I think she's still alive.

"I met Bernie Taupin for the first time and I felt like he was giving me a little bit of advice. He didn't say much to me, just asked, 'Do you like titles?' And I started thinking about Elton John songs, and found out Bernie wrote the titles first. Like 'Mona Lisa and the Mad Hatter' or 'Candle in the Wind', it's already epic.

"'Miss Atomic Bomb', when that was rattling in the brain, it's so strong. I tied it into 'Mr. Brightside' so that was very easy for me to write."

Brandon is amazed the group's breakthrough hit 'Mr. Brightside' is now 10 years old but he still enjoys performing the track.

He said: "I can't believe it's been 10 years. I still get just as excited as I did before."

The Killer's fifth album, 'Battle Born' will be released on September 18.

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