Club Owner Recalls Booking The Killers for a Small Pub Venue as a Favor

While The Killers have twice headlined Glastonbury, performed globally, and released multiple number-one albums, in November 2003, on a foggy Friday evening, they played a modest club situated above a pub in Lincoln. The audience present that night was unaware they were witnessing a pivotal moment in music history. Steve Hawkins, owner of the Bivouac club, remembers his initial reaction to the then-unknown band from Las Vegas: “I thought, where the hell have you been?” The venue, characterized by its lack of windows, sticky floors, and black walls, hosted an “anthemic set” by The Killers that evening, a performance deemed worthy of Wembley Stadium. Steve stated, “I watched the sound check and within three seconds I knew this band were going to be absolutely massive.” A crowd of 200 people, tightly packed and illuminated by stage lights within the venue, quickly became unified in their astonishment. Steve clarified, “We didn’t know who they were.” He humorously added, “I remember rushing up to the band afterwards and saying, you are the new Duran Duran.” Before achieving widespread recognition, The Killers established their presence by performing in various small venues across the UK. During their Lincoln appearance, they were the second act on the bill, preceding the alternative-rock group British Sea Power. Martin Noble, guitarist for the acclaimed English band (now known as Sea Power), noted that the American musicians were impressed by Lincoln’s historical landmarks and its weather conditions. Martin recounted, “They were amazed by the fog. They had never been to the UK before and it was a very foggy day. We took them up to see the cathedral and they saw the cobbled streets. It blew their minds.” The Killers’ 30-minute performance that night featured future hits like “Mr Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me,” which would achieve global success the following year. Nevertheless, few in the audience could have foreseen the immense success that awaited the band. Martin humorously remarked on their early appearance: “They weren’t quite as glamorous as they are now. You could have mistaken them for a band from York. We all thought, yeah, they are all right this lot, they might go somewhere.” Steve managed the Bivouac club, located above the Duke of Wellington pub, until 2009. He explained his motivation: “I knew the city needed a little venue that nurtured new bands and Lincoln didn’t have one.” The booking of The Killers was unexpected. He elaborated on the circumstances: “Their booking agent contacted me and said we have got this band, and we know no one has heard of them, but would you do us a favour? I said of course.” This favor subsequently became a significant historical event. Six months after their Bivouac performance, The Killers released their debut album, “Hot Fuss,” which reached number one in the UK charts and launched them toward superstardom. Steve later attempted to book The Killers for a second engagement but was outbid by Leeds University. Despite this, the Bivouac cultivated a strong reputation for live music, hosting notable acts such as The Kaiser Chiefs and the Scottish rock group Biffy Clyro. Steve’s Friday music nights undeniably facilitated the growth of new talent, from small stages to international arenas. For Steve, the memories of that foggy night when The Killers performed in Lincoln remain indelible. He commented on their professionalism: “The four guys were incredibly professional and within seconds I knew they knew what they were doing.” Steve also described them as, “The are the nicest people I have ever had come through my doors at the Bivouac.”