The Killers apologized after vocalist Brandon Flowers invited a Russian fan drummer on stage while performing at the Black Sea Arena, a concert venue in Shekvetili, Georgia.

Flowers referred to a Russian fan as a “brother” and told the attendees to treat him this way.

The incident has caused a great deal of anger and resentment among Georgians, who have a long history of conflict with Russia.

Moreover, Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine surged anti-Russian sentiment in Georgia, causing anti-Russian rallies in the capital Tbilisi and calls for Russian goods and services’ boycott.

A recent poll found 83% of Georgians have a negative attitude towards Russia, against only 3% with a positive stand. This is a significant increase from a 2018 poll, in which only 63% of Georgians had a negative opinion of Russia.

“No, we are not brothers and sisters. Russia is an occupier, not a sibling,” reads a post on the social media platform X (previously Twitter).

After the incident, some concertgoers left in protest, others booed, the other attendees claimed The Killers left the stage without saying goodbye to the audience.

Shortly after, the Administration of the Black Sea Arena and the band The Killers released statements regarding the incident that took place at the August 15 concert.

“We understand the emotions of our guests. The vocalist’s behavior on the stage does not represent the Black Sea Arena’s stance. We realize our share of responsibility, sincerely apologize, and communicate the artist’s response regarding the incident. Russia is the occupant,” reads the Black Sea Arena statement.

The Killers also apologized for bringing a Russian drummer on stage.

“We have a longstanding tradition of inviting people to play drums and it seemed from the stage that the initial response from the crowd indicated that they were okay with tonight’s audience participation member coming onstage with us. We recognize that a comment meant to suggest that all of the Killers’ audience and fans are ‘brothers and sisters’ could be misconstrued. We did not mean to upset anyone and we apologize. We stand with you and hope to return soon,” the band said in its statement.

The Killers are touring in Europe. The group will perform again on Thursday in Bratislava, Slovakia.