Band of Horses, Early James, and The Black Keys' "Dropout Boogie" tour at iThink Ampitheatre in West Palm Beach, Florida
The Black Keys are known for being a Blues Rock band, although some will say their range goes beyond that. With Psychedelic rhythms and Rock and Roll guitar riffs, giving off an Indie Garage band kind of vibe. This 20-year-old band from Akron, Ohio graced the South Florida audience with a jaw dropping performance on August 24th at the iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Black Keys are currently on tour promoting their latest album release, ‘Dropout Boogie,’ along with musicians: Early James and Band of Horses.
EARLY JAMES
The concert began with a performance by Early James, a Rockabilly Blues singer-songwriter, who is signed with record label, Easy Eye Sound. Easy Eye Sound is the record label of The Black Keys' guitarist, Dan Auerbach. While audience members filled into the venue and found their seating, the gritty musical sounds filled the air in anticipation for a special performance by the next live performance by Band of Horses. Band of Horses are a soulful Rock band from Seattle, Washington. The group are known for their ever-changing band dynamic which brought cheers upon hitting the stage. Excited fans could not help but get up and dance along to their classic tracks and their latest music releases.
Band of Horses performed tracks such as the haunting song, ‘Is There a Ghost.’ heard on their Grammy nominated album, ‘Infinite Arms.’ They closed with a Folk twist, performing their track, ‘The General Specific,’ which had the audience excited for The Black Keys upcoming performance.
BAND OF HORSES
Before hitting The Black Keys graced the stage, a special message was played to premise the audience about the notorious Blues Rock group. Comedian, David Cross, posed as a member of the organization “Dads Interested in Choosing our Kids’ Songs,'' and begged for the audience to leave the concert before the “Hedonistic” Black Keys took the stage. Fans laughed and cheered as a photo of The Black Keys’ guitarist and vocalist, Dan Auerbach and drummer, Patrick Carney was displayed on the screen with big red words, “BASTARDS.’ Cross claimed the Rock and Roll duo were a couple of dropout degenerates. Then the video urged the audience to “stand up and make a statement” against the band, but instead they rose up in applaud. The audience members’ shouts were echoed through the amphitheater as The Black Keys stepped on the stage.
THE BLACK KEYS
“I Got Mine” setting the tone for the rest of their almost two-hour set. Getting the crowds going with familiar hits like “Tighten Up” and “Gold on the Ceiling” yet improvising guitar riffs bringing new life to each track. Behind the band, a large screen showed camera feeds from all angles of the stage. Flashing between close ups of band mates playing and aesthetically appealing backdrops. Not only giving fans a well put together line up playing favorites new and old, but a grand performance to match.
Legendary Blues guitarist, Kenny Brown, who made a name performing with Blues icon, R.L. Burnside, are a big influence on The Black Keys and joined them on stage. They played along for six tracks including a cover of Junior Kimbrough’s track, “Stay All Night,” John Lee Hooker’s track, “Crawlin’ Kingsnake,” and an impressive cover of R.L. Burnside’s track, “Goin’ Down South.” The audience cried out for additional songs to be performed and were ecstatic from their live show.
Hello, World!
The Black Keys then performed their track “Wild Child” from their new album, “Dropout Boogie” before they exited the stage whcih left their fans questioning if the show was over. However, The Black Keys shortly returned to the stage, Dan Auerbach put out his cigarette and thanked the audience for coming out to the show. A beaming white light shined from overhead as he picked up his acoustic guitar and played the opening of the track, “Little Black Submarines.” The audience danced and sang along, their energy couldn't have been higher. The band walked off stage after their set with the audience shouting for an encore and not wanting the show to end. The Black Keys returned to the stage for their final performance of the bluesy anthem “Lonely Boy” as their farewell song to the South Florida fans.
For more information and upcoming tour dates, visit theblackkeys.com, bandofhorses.com, and earlyjames.com.
Coverage by Viviana Franco // Instagram: @viviana.ttl and Gina Beltran // Instagram: @miamigoth
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