The Black Keys Fan Lounge

There’s been a lot of chatter on the fan Forum ever since The Black Keys  mentioned on their Facebook page that there would be “changes in the live show”. Fans have only ever known two guys on stage rockin hard.

Irrespective of how the ‘Keys perform their songs live (announcement to be made very shortly), there are so many possibilities of how things could turn out including their set lists. This all got me thinking about what my fantasy Black Keys gig would be like.

If the ‘Keys could play anything to please you live what would it be? What would your fantasy Black Keys  live show consist of?

Every fan hopes they’ll play their favourite songs. Realistically a band can never please everyone, so they’re probably better off trying to get some sort of compromise between keeping themselves happy and most of the audience. Live shows should be different to the album. It was a point emphasised by Tchad Blake, who mixed Brothers, and has seemingly been embraced more and more by the band. Dan’s ‘Keep It Hid’ record was certainly a case in point when played live.

Forgetting a past dream, which is still an ultimate fantasy gig, here’s how I envisage a show panning out. Basically, it centres on a show they never play, or rather songs and elements of their career, looking forward and back – taking some of those elements and pushing the boundaries even further and in so doing highlighting the musicality and lyrical strength of the band. I don’t want to just hear the fuzzed out banging tunes every time – I’ve seen enough of those shows. I’d like to think I’ve moved on as I’ve got older just like the band has.

Maybe some inspired festival booker or promoter could talk the band into this type of show? No doubt it might be a few years off as a one off retrospective/showcase or All Tomorrows Parties-type show.

My fantasy show would be broken into three parts.

It would start with a set of Blakroc instrumentals to ease the crowd in. I’m surprised the band hasn’t experimented with more instrumentals generally. I’d hope Gil Scott Heron might come on for some tracks. Though he didn’t appear on the Blakroc release if you’ve listened to his new album or past ones you’ll get a sense of what could be possible if the Black Keys really opened up. It could be something pushing the boundaries of, what I’d call, blues-beat tracks.

Chulahoma. This would be the second set. If just once the band would play these tracks live. It’s a perfect segue into more rockin but mid-tempo tracks. Straight up play the album through would be sweet as.

The final set would feature the slow soul drenched Brothers tracks. No doubt the concert just like the album would leave everyone wanting more – just how it should be. If anything, after a few listens, I wish Dan and Pat had actually pushed their soul tracks even further. No doubt there were plenty surprised faces at their record label when they first played the new cuts. Backed with further musicians and instrumentation, no doubt the hope despair redemption of the songs will be accentuated.

The Setlist:

First set

Hope You’re Happy

On The Vista

Stay Off The Fuckin Flowers

Aint Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo)

Hard Times

Dollaz and Sense

Why Can’t I Forget Him

WhaT You Do To Me

Second set

Keep Your Hands Off Her

Have Mercy on Me

Work Me

Meet Me in the City

Nobody But You

My Mind is Ramblin’

Third Set

The Only One

Too Afraid to Love You

Ten Cent Pistol

Sinister Kid

The Go Getter

I’m Not the One

Unknown Brother

These Days

Related posts:

1. The Black Keys’ New Live Show 2010
2. Dan Auerbach Concert Ticket and Live Show Reviews
3. Black Keys Live Show Reviewers Needed
4. Video: The Black Keys’ Live On BBC Radio 1 2012
5. The Black Keys’ Best Live Versions Of Busted

Tags: live show, the black keys