The Black Keys
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About The Black Keys
Released to widespread critical acclaim in December, El Camino debuted at # 2 on the Billboard Top 200 and has already been certified Platinum in Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand, and Gold in France, the UK and US amongst others. Produced by Danger Mouse and The Black Keys, the 11-track album was recorded in the band’s new hometown of Nashville during the spring of 2011. El Camino includes the hit single Lonely Boy, the video for which has been viewed 17 million times on YouTube and nominated for an MTV Music Video Award, as well as Gold On The Ceiling, which the band recently performed with Johnny Depp at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards. The new single, Little Black Submarines, was released on October 8.
Describing the sound of the album, drummer Patrick Carney told Rolling Stone, “Every record, we figure out the mood and stick with that. With Brothers, we were listening to a lot of hip-hop and old R&B and drawing from that. This is the first record we’ve made where it’s all rock & roll.” And in an interview with Spin Magazine Auerbach said: “I’ve never been into guitar solos. I really like when every instrument in the band is a rhythm instrument. This record has a lot of that going on - guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards all working together as a rhythm instrument. But unlike Brothers, which has more of these slower songs with an open feeling, [the new LP] is definitely fast.”
The Black Keys - Akron, OH natives Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney - released their debut album, The Big Come Up, in 2002, followed by Thickfreakness (2003) and Rubber Factory (2004). In 2006 they signed to Nonesuch Records in the US and released their fourth album, Magic Potion, which was followed by the Danger Mouse-produced Attack & Release in 2008. El Camino is the first Black Keys album Nonesuch released worldwide.
The Black Keys
The Black Keys are a powerhouse blues-rock duo known for their gritty guitar riffs, raw production style, and unmistakable garage-band energy. The band has shaped modern rock with standout tracks like Lonely Boy and Gold on the Ceiling, blending vintage blues influences with contemporary edge. Their stripped-down sound and consistent hitmaking have earned global acclaim and multiple awards.1
Grab The Black Keys tickets on AXS and catch their unmistakable, hard-hitting sound live on stage.
The Black Keys’ Background
The Black Keys formed in Akron, Ohio, where friends Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney began recording music in basements and garages. Their early albums, marked by lo-fi production and heavy blues influence, built a cult following through word of mouth and indie circuits.
A key turning point came as their sound evolved into a more polished yet still raw style, bringing them broader recognition. Their steady rise reflects a commitment to authenticity, with each release expanding their reach while staying rooted in their blues-rock origins.1
The Black Keys’ Awards
The Black Keys have earned widespread recognition for their impact on modern rock, collecting major international awards that highlight both critical and commercial success.
- Grammy Awards – Best Rock Album (2013): El Camino earned this honor, recognizing the album’s widespread acclaim and influence in contemporary rock.2
- Brit Awards – International Group (2013): This award celebrated the band’s global success and strong presence in the international music scene.3
- MTV Video Music Awards – Breakthrough Video (2010): The video for Tighten Up won this award, spotlighting the band’s creative visual storytelling and rising popularity.4
The Black Keys’ Biggest Hits
The Black Keys have released a string of influential albums that helped shape modern blues-rock. Their catalog blends raw energy with polished songwriting, producing some of the genre’s most recognizable tracks.
- Attack & Release (2008): Produced with Danger Mouse, this Gold-certified album marked a sonic shift with tracks like Strange Times, expanding their sound beyond lo-fi roots.5
- Brothers (2010): Featuring breakout hits like Tighten Up, this critically acclaimed, 2x Platinum-certified album brought mainstream attention and multi-platinum success.5
- El Camino (2011): Known for high-energy singles like Lonely Boy and Gold on the Ceiling, this album was certified 2x Platinum and became one of their most commercially successful releases.5
See The Black Keys Live
The Black Keys deliver a high-powered live show built on driving riffs, tight rhythms, and a no-frills stage presence. Their performances channel the raw spirit of blues clubs into arena-sized energy, creating a sound that feels both intimate and expansive.6,7 Secure your spot with The Black Keys tickets at AXS and hear it all unfold live.
Sources
- The Black Keys: Rock Duo's Journey And Hits - Rock Music Universe
- The Black Keys Artist - GRAMMY
- Brit awards 2013 full list of winners - The Guardian
- MTV Video Music Awards 2010: Full list of winners - Metro News
- Gold & Platinum - RIAA
- The Black Keys: Still Growing After 25 Years – American Blues Scene
- The Black Keys Live Tour & Concert Review Consensus - LiveRate
- THE BLACK KEYS - Scotiabank Centre
- The Black Keys - Greek Theatre