Utah to Vegas, via Norway

Imagine Dragons are one of the biggest bands in the world. Their path to get there is stranger than you'd think.

They started by commuting from Utah to play tiny venues in Las Vegas. For a new band, Vegas means the dive bars off the highway rather than the strip. Sticky floors, rough sound, crowds who have no idea who you are.

But someone on holiday caught a gig, bought their CD, and gave it to a promoter friend back home.

For his festival. In Norway.

That festival was the band's first international gig. The CD was their one and only EP. They were unsigned.

Utah to Vegas to Norway. Not exactly a straight line.

Yes, they're one in a thousand. And yes, CDs are ancient history. But the foundation stands: people travel to experience something new, and they want to share it with others.

The gig you think sucks might lead somewhere interesting.

P.S. Vegas was built by the mob and the Mormons - sin and purity, chalk and cheese. Maybe that's why it works. A place designed for people passing through, looking for something they can't get at home.

P.P.S. They also seem to be enormously popular with small children. I've never worked out why. Anyone?