Few Las Vegans realized who The Killers were before they became ubiquitous—after all, a handful of UNLV students and musicians starting a band is plenty common in the MySpace age of insta-fame.

But The Killers are more than just one-hit wonders from Sin City—the band has carved a place in the music industry for the kind of synth-pop and dance-rock that has come to define the 2000s.

It all began with 2004’s Hot Fuss, which was released after lead singer Brandon Flowers, guitarist David Keuning, bassist Mark Stoermer and drummer Ronnie Vannucci escaped to Britain to hit it big. Singles like “Somebody Told Me,” “Mr. Brightside” and “All These Things That I’ve Done” quickly took over radio stations both in America and abroad, and The Killers skyrocketed to stardom.

In the years since their debut, the band has continued to broaden its musical horizons with forays into American anthems (2006’s Sam’s Town, an unsubtle reference to the band’s roots) and ‘80s electro (last year’s Day and Age).

The Killers put Las Vegas’ blossoming music scene on the map, and for that they deserve a standing ovation at this month’s Hard Rock show.

The Killers perform at The Joint April 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $51.50, $55.50 and $146.

By Caitlin McGarry