WORDS MATTY BEZ / IMAGES DESH KAPUR
The AO Arena in Manchester was transformed into a bluesy rock ‘n’ roll haven as The Black Keys took to the famous arena stage.
But before that the night begins with an electrifying performance from Austin, Texas’s talented and brilliant, Spoon, their indie, lo fi, minimalist, post-punk-inspired sound. immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention. Tracks like “Do You”, “Got Nuffin”, “The Hardest Cut” and crowd favourite “The Underdog,” show off the the bands talent for writing songs with brilliantly sparse instrumentation that are full of catchy hooks and then layered with catchy, pop-influenced melodies Their stage presence and flawless musicianship has set the bar high already.
With the audience nicely primed, The Black Keys burst into “I Got Mine,” igniting the crowd and you know this is going to be a special and unforgettable evening. They seamlessly transition into the fan-favorite “Fever,” and the audience are captivated by the pulsating rhythms and soulful vocals, everyone is already hooked.
Their infectious energy sweeps through the arena and the crowd sway and sing along in unison, fueled by the solid foundation of rhythmic bass lines and the scorching guitar riffs of Auerbach. Carney’s thunderous drumming add an extra layer of intensity, creating a perfect synergy on stage.
Surprising the crowd with a soulful rendition of Richard Berry’s “Have Love Will Travel,” The Black Keys infused the classic with Auerbach’s gritty vocals and Carney’s powerful drumming, showcasing their signature blues-infused rock style.
The most mesmerizing moment of the night comes during the soulful ballad “Weight of Love,” as the crowd turn on their phone torches, casting a captivating glow throughout the arena. audience captivated by the heartfelt lyrics and the band’s masterful execution, creating a collective experience of shared connection.
Closing the show with their biggest hit, “Lonely Boy,” The Black Keys ignite an explosive encore that has the entire crowd punching the air in unison. The powerful guitar chords and soulful vocals commanded everyone’s attention, delivering an unforgettable moment of pure rock bliss.
Tonight the band’s masterful mix of blues and rock is evident throughout their performance, leaving an indelible impression on all who were there. From Auerbach’s searing guitar solos that cut through the air with precision to Carney’s commanding drumming that pulsated through the veins, their onstage chemistry and musical dialogue unfolded with effortless precision and unbridled passion. The partnership of these two talented musicians created an intoxicating blend of powerful guitar sound and rhythmic snare drum pops, solidifying The Black Keys’ status as modern-day purveyors of bluesy rock ‘n’ roll.
SET LIST
1/ I GOT MINE
2/ FEVER
3/ IT AINT OVER
4/ YOUR TOUCH
5/ CRAWLING KING SNAKE
6/ TIGHTEN UP
7/ HAVE LOVE WILL TRAVEL
8/ LO/HI
9/ HOWLIN FOR YOU
10/ WEIGHT OF LOVE
11/ HEAVY SOUL
12/ EVERLASTING LIGHT
13/ NEXT GIRL
14/ YOUR TEAM IS LOOKING GOOD
15/ TEN CENT PISTOL
16/ GOLD ON THE CEILING
17/ WILD CHILD
18/ SHES LONG GONE
ENCORE
19/ LITTLE BLACK SUBMARINES
20/ LONELY BOY
FOLLOW THE BLACK KEYS
FOLLOW SPOON
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
