U.S. rockers THE KILLERS have mounted a legal battle to avoid paying a former manager $3 million (£1.5 million) in unpaid commission.

The Mr Brightside stars appeared in court in front of the California State Labor Commissioner on Monday (17Dec07), with frontman Brandon Flowers facing cross examination over the case filed by ex-employee Braden Merrick.

Merrick claims he is owed the large sum in unpaid commission from 2006. The Killers, however, are trying to void their management contract with Merrick, alleging he booked the band without a license, reports TMZ.com.