I love America,” says Brandon Flowers. “It’s not just some kind of blind nationalism thing. I’ve always felt an overwhelming sense of optimism there. And I don’t think that exists everywhere.”

The Killers singer is backstage at Birmingham’s Genting Arena, contemplating the state of his nation. “It’s not in the best shape right now. But I think that we’re smart enough and resilient enough to pull through.”

Flowers laughs nervously. Onstage, the dashingly handsome 38-year-old comports himself with the kind of swaggering charisma you might expect from the frontman of a world-famous rock band. In person, he exudes anxious energy.

Since their hit-packed debut, Hot Fuss, in 2004, The Killers have scored five consecutive number one albums in the UK. Along with The Strokes and Kings of Leon, the Las Vegas band was arguably part of the last great generation of American rock, fusing new wave energy and pop sensibility with classic rock tropes. They cut a dash, wearing eyeliner and flashy fashions, a strong electro element lending their sound a contemporary twist. And (like the other bands) they conquered the UK before making it back home. Yet Flowers recalls a tension when they first visited these shores. “George W Bush was president and there was an air of anti-American sentiment. You could really feel it. Bands (like The White Stripes and Dixie Chicks) were apologising for being from America. I’m not seeing that now. It’s like you’re not mad at us anymore, you’re sorry for us.”