The Killers are to be honoured at the Pop Music Awards later this month for their impact on American music.

The band, who recently finished touring in support of their third album 'Day & Age', will collect the Vanguard Award at the ceremony in Los Angeles.

Patti Smith is also due to be recognised at the event, which is organised by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

Other accolades will be awarded to the songwriter of the year and song of the year from the previous 12 months.

Smith will perform at the event on April 21 along with All-American Rejects and Jason Mraz.

(by Jason Gregory)