The Killers paid tribute to George Floyd with a simplified presentation of “Land of the Free” during the July 4 Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday (July 4).
Appearing live from their Prairie Sun recording studio in Sonoma, California, the group led by Brandon Flowers presented an emotional performance of the 2019 single single. Sitting at the piano in a dimly lit room, Flowers once changed the lyrics to poignant second verse of the song.
“When I get out in my car / I don’t think twice / But if you have the wrong skin color / You grow looking over your shoulders / In the land of the free / And how many murders should a man look at his house / Until see the price on the bill / Eight minutes measured and 46 seconds / Another child in the bag / Another stain on the flag, “he sang, referring to Floyd’s tragic death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.
Presented by today’s host Craig Melvin and meteorologist Dylan Dreyer, the special featured socially estranged performances from other artists such as Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Lady A, and Brad Paisley at different locations across the country.
Watch the Assassins’ “Land of the Free” performance at the 27-minute mark in the video below.
