Killers guitarist Dave Keuning: Walking away from band was hardest decision

The Killers guitarist Dave Keuning has said that walking away from the band before their last world tour was the “hardest decision” he’s ever made.

The musician, 42, told A list he became exhausted by life on the road and wanted to spend more time with his son.

During the hiatus, Keuning wrote his first solo record. He will perform tracks from the album, Prismism, at an intimate show at Dingwalls in Camden tonight.

“I did four album tours that were two years each,” Keuning said. “They wore me out. They are a lot of fun but you don’t get a second’s rest.

“I felt like half the time I was daydreaming, looking out of a window wanting to come home. I feel like I had no choice but to step away. It would have been different if we were all on the same page as a band, but we were not.

“The decision to step away was the hardest decision I’ve made in my life.” He added: “My son is now 13 and I have enjoyed being at home seeing him as much as I can. The Killers are a massive band but you only get the chance to see these parts of your son’s life once.”

Keuning plays most of the instruments on his debut solo record and sings lead vocals for the first time. He said: “I was never confident about singing, but I went to an open mic night at a bar in San Diego and I saw a bunch of teenagers singing their hearts out. I thought, ‘If they can do it, why can’t I?’ ”

The star also reassured fans he is still officially in the band and was helping with their new album, which is in early development.