Killers come up short in Grammy bid

Spencer Patterson

Monday, Feb. 14, 2005 | 8:17 a.m.

The Killers' dream year closed without a storybook ending Sunday night, as the Las Vegas band's Grammy run came up short.

The local quartet, which attended music's prestigious awards show at Los Angeles' Staples Center, went in with nominations in three categories: Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal.

Before the televised portion of the event began, the Killers learned U2's "Vertigo" had been awarded the Grammy for Best Rock Song.

During the 3 1/2-hour broadcast Green Day's "American Idiot" captured the award for Best Rock Album, and U2's "Vertigo" won again for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal.

The four Killers -- vocalist Brandon Flowers, guitarist Dave Keuning, bassist Mark Stoermer and drummer Ronnie Vannucci -- were shown briefly on camera, in their seats, prior to the announcement of U2's Best Rock Performance victory.

Last month, the Killers' 2004 debut album, "Hot Fuss," was certified platinum, for domestic sales of more than 1 million units.

Another act with local ties -- Las Vegas natives the Crystal Method -- went in with a nomination in a first-time category, Best Electronic/Dance Album. That award went to Basement Jaxx, for their album "Kish Kash."