The Killers
ListenMr. Brightside · 2003
The Killers — “Mr. Brightside,” official alternate-version music video.
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2003 · Lizard King Records
Mr. Brightside / Smile Like You Mean It
Before “Mr. Brightside” became a familiar anthem, it was a small white-vinyl single on Lizard King. The 2003 release introduced the Las Vegas band to record buyers in Britain ahead of Hot Fuss. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0005 |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Killers |
| Release | 2003 · United Kingdom |
| Label | Lizard King Records · LIZARD007X |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm |
| Issue | Original white-vinyl commercial issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | NM · NM sleeve |
Release history and significance
Brandon Flowers recalled that every major label initially turned the band down. After Lizard King signed them and British interest grew, some executives asked which new producer had transformed the song. Flowers’ answer was that they were hearing the same recording they had rejected. [2]
The band had held onto “Mr. Brightside” even when hearing the Strokes’ debut prompted them to abandon other early songs. Flowers remembered feeling the hairs rise on his arms during early performances: they knew this song was different, even if they could not foresee its future. [2]
The white-vinyl edition pairs “Mr. Brightside” with “Smile Like You Mean It.” The release credits Jeff Saltzman and Braden Merrick as producers and Mark Needham as mixer; it was issued in a run documented as 500 copies. [1]
Market context
A 2003 white-vinyl LIZARD007X copy sold for US$250 on 7 December 2025. Both record and picture sleeve were graded VG+. [3]
Physical Description
White vinyl in its original paper picture sleeve, with no inserts. A minuscule black dot is embedded in the vinyl as a manufacturing characteristic.
Condition
The disc and sleeve are graded NM. The vinyl retains full gloss without visible handling marks; the labels are clean and unmarked. The sleeve has crisp corners and edges, without significant creasing or wear.
Provenance
Acquired from the original owner, Discogs seller chris.carlson, on 11 March 2025.
Sources
- Discogs, The Killers — Mr. Brightside, release 2048335. 2003 UK white-vinyl edition, credits and pressing quantity.
- MusicRadar, Brandon Flowers on Mr. Brightside, 19 August 2026. Flowers’ recollections from his BBC Radio 2 interview with Vernon Kay.
- Popsike, archived eBay sale. US$250 result, 7 December 2025; VG+/VG+ white-vinyl copy.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.