The Black Keys Fan Lounge

Listening to BBC Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe recently interview Dan Auerbach and asking him to visit and do a recording session at the station, reminded me of the late great BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel. Zane Lowe is, in some quarters, seen as carrying forward the legacy of John Peel who sadly died in 2004. It’s a weighty responsibility, though they both seem to be big fans, or rather champions of The Black Keys music.

I look forward to The Black Keys next live recording session on Radio 1 in 2010. It’s also perhaps a good opportunity to look back at The Black Keys past BBC Radio 1 live recordings.

In 2003 The Black Keys were more popular in the United Kingdom than anywhere else with the exception of Australia. The reason partly being they could get their records played on radio in those countries. The other was they toured heavily and had the support of people like John Peel on Radio 1, the national youth station. In Australia they were championed by the BBC1 equivalent Triple J radio.

John Peel had long supported new bands. He had an uncanny knack of more often than not recognising quality bands just needing a break. He gave them that opportunity and led with with his appreciation for the new. An important vehicle in presenting those bands was his Peel Sessions, as they becme known.

The Peel Sessions were an opportunity for a band to be recorded live in the radio studio, or Peel Acres – John Peel’s home and alternate radio studio. The quality of the recordings of the bands, who would shortly reach mainstream popularity, has become legend. A John Peel endorsement aided the incubation of a developing band by not only giving them exposure but also the confidence to go forth with his support.

You can listen to the Old Corn Market live Peel Session show below. It’s probably my favourite live recording of The Black Keys. There’s a fantastic intro from John Peel at the start. Even better is his summary of the show at the end of ‘Heavy Soul’ when he returns to the stage and says:

It’s not in my contract to come and speak to you at after the band has played, but I think you’ll agree with me, what is so good about these two, is they just don’t know how good they are.

Never a truer word said.

The Black Keys recorded 3 Peel Sessions including set lists:

20/04/2003  @ Maida Vale 4 Studios

Set You Free
Hard Row
No Trust
The Moan

31/07/2003 @ Peel Acres

Thickfreakness
I Cry Alone
Have Love Will Travel
No Fun
Them Eyes
Busted

28/10/2003 @ Old Corn Market/Exchange

Listen to Intro here

Listen to Thickfreakness here

Listen to Busted here

Listen to Yearnin' here

Listen to The Breaks here

Listen to Have Love Will Travel here

Listen to No Trust here

Listen to Heavy Soul here

Photo: John Peel

Related posts:

1. Blakroc: Instrumental Versions
2. Listen: Dan Auerbach Interview On Triple J Radio
3. The Black Keys and Blakroc Mash Ups
4. Blakroc: Listen to Pat Carney on Triple J Radio
5. The Black Keys: Rarities, Un-Released, B-Sides

Tags: john peel, the black keys