Los Angeles - The Killers were turned down by every major record label in the US.
The Somebody Told Me band found it hard to get a deal in their home country at the start of their career, but a good review and radio play in Britain helped kick-start their career.
Frontman Brandon Flowers said: "Every major label in America turned us down, then we got a glowing review in NME magazine and every single one of those labels offered us a record deal.
"So I will always be thankful to the NME."
The band were awarded the Best International Band trophy at the recent NME Awards, and said they were amazed to be at the ceremony alongside their hero, guitar player Johnny Marr.
Referencing two of Johnny's bands, Brandon added to NME magazine: "It's a big honour just to be here with Johnny Marr.
"I mean have you ever heard Electronic?
But The Smiths were a staple for so many of us that were in that room. It's incredible, the influence they had."