The pre-match entertainment for the UEFA Champions League final in May has been announced and the band says they accepted ‘without hesitation’
The Champions League final will see a huge band perform(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Football fans will get a pre-match music show at the biggest event of the European calendar in May. The UEFA Champions League final, taking place on May 30 at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, will also feature a huge musical performance by iconic rock band The Killers.
The American group, best know for their tracks such as Human and Mr Brightside, will take to the pitch before the finalist to whip up the excitement for those in attendance.
And it’s an honour the group said they accepted “without hesitation”. Speaking after the announcement, the group said: “When we were asked to perform at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi, we said yes without hesitation, some stages speak for themselves.
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“We’re honoured to celebrate the incredible teams and players at what will undoubtedly be an epic match.”
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To announce this show, The Killers’ featured in a short film alongside footballing icon Sir David Beckham. In the film, the stars challenge each other to a “race” to the stadium, with Brandon Flowers jumping into a custom electric blue classic car and Sir David Beckham departing on his motorcycle.
The film, which is titled The Race Begins, pays homage to the anticipation leading up to the biggest match in club football.
The Killers will follow in the footsteps of Linkin Park, who played before the game before Paris St Germain lifted their maiden Champions League trophy last year at the Allianz Arena. Others to have been asked to play the pre-match show have included Lenny Kravitz, Imagine Dragons and Dua Lipa.
Eugene Willemsen, CEO, International Beverages at PepsiCo said of the announcement: “Pepsi MAX has a proud history of bringing big cultural moments in sports and music to fans around the world, and this year is no different. Through Pepsi Football Nation, our fan platform celebrating the culture and passion at the heart of the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show, we’re proud to welcome one of the most loved rock bands of the 21st century, The Killers, to the stage in Budapest.
“We are delighted to partner with a band that embodies the spirit of Pepsi MAX, creating the kind of moments that define how the game is experienced. We can’t wait for them to deliver their electrifying performance and world-renowned anthems at the Puskás Aréna, and we look forward to the reaction from fans in the stadium and around the world.”
The announcement was met with mixed response online. On Twitter/X, football journalist Henry Winter said: “The Killers to play Champions League final kick-off show at Puskas Arena on May 30, somebody told me etc etc. Good choice.
“The Killers know how to put on a show in a stadium. They also know the power of football. Brandon Flowers put up a huge photo of Bobby Moore lifting the World Cup when they played Wembley, and paid a moving tribute. Band will enhance the atmosphere – provided they’re off in time to allow fans to provide the true sound-track to kick-off in Budapest.”
Another fan agreed with his sentiment. They added: “Killers before the Champions League final? Now that’s a pre-match vibe.”
However, it wasn’t the same view for everyone. A third user fumed: “Look, I dig The Killers but enough with the faux Super Bowl performances on every Champions League Final since 2016!!!
“Just read the room and f***ing end it!!! Just do a normal opening ceremony for once!!! Why Americanise the Champions League???”
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
