The Black Keys – 20 Years Later | The Black Keys Fan Lounge

Mar 2nd, 2009 by brucini

A few weeks ago I went and saw The Melvins live with my mates Junior and Luke. Junior had flown into town just to see the band again after also seeing them in Sydney. He had good reason to make an extra effort, it had been 18 years since they had last been in Australia. The gig also had extra significance because The Melvins played their classic album Houdini (1993) in its entirety.

You might be wondering what relevance this has with The Black Keys?

Imagine this scenario for a minute, as I did after the gig, to shed some light.

After a few more years of touring, Dan and Pat call it quits. Family, lack of inspiration, other interests and the effects of eating too much fast food are all cited as reasons for the break. They don’t play another gig for another 20 years.

Then one day they feel the urge. Dan/Pat picks up the phone and they agree to put the band back together. They go back on the road.

Imagine then, what The Black Keys would sound and look like at their 20 years later-reunion gig?

Would they play ‘Thickfreakness’ – the album that really launched them – from start to finish to reconnect with the music and the fans?

Crikey, would they only play acoustic from rocking chairs?

I doubt the latter thought, but importantly, would you go along and see them play live again? Considering my track record with The Melvins, no doubt I would.

The other disturbing thought I had is maybe over time Dan’s bearded appearance could well morph with the hair of Buzz from The Melvins. Gawd, if that occurs I too would fly and see every reunion concert I could for this highlight alone.

Buzz from the Melvins – photo courtesy of fuzuoko