I remember the first time I heard the song “Little Black Submarines” from the Black Keys’ most recent release El Camino. The tune immediately inspired visions of Zoso and Jimmy Page dancing in my head. One can probably imagine the effect hearing the song live had on me then – guitarist Dan Auerbach focused under a single light for the soft beginning before ripping on his guitar strings for the powerful end. But, overall, the most amazing part about this concert, the last one on their European tour, was not that one song but the extended energy and enthusiasm the band was able to display over their entire set.
The Alexandra Palace is London’s largest standing room venue and, as the type of person who refuses to ever be in the back at a concert, through a carefully calculated plan of early arrival and subtle pushing and shoving I was able to inch my way to the front row. The opener, English-natives Band of Skulls, started out a little weak but, as lead singer Russell Marsden said, eventually “warmed up” and put on a great and solid set. After, in what seemed like a cruel and punishing move, the Black Keys roadies came out in full-out suits to switch the gear over. The confinement of trousers and ties made for quick work though – the band began playing within what seemed like twenty or so minutes.
Guitarist Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney, accompanied by an additional guitarist and pianist, set a high energy bar by starting out with “Howlin’ For You”. Despite the popularity of El Camino as well as their previous release Brothers, the Black Keys also selected to play a few songs from their more Blues-driven releases such as The Big Come Up and Thickfreakness. This concentration on older material was especially evident during a period of the concert where Auerbach and Carney lost the additional accompaniment and played as the true duo they are. Despite my bias due to the fact I believe we will someday be married, Auerbach’s guitar playing is just as intense and passionate live as it is on any of their records – a true testament to any fan of the band that their devotion is not mislead. Besides the previously mentioned “Little Black Submarines”, other song highlights of the night included “Gold on the Ceiling”, “Thickfreakness”, and “Everlasting Light.” All in all, the concert was well-worth the entire voyage from the south of Ireland it had cost me (both financially and physically) and, as the Black Keys prepare to cross the Atlantic, I would heavily recommend attending anyone of their upcoming shows. Oh, and if you happen to get Auerbach’s number feel free to send it over to me…
The Black Keys – Little Black Submarines
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[...] the weekend before that post published, I was down in London to see The Black Keys play at Alexandra Palace - I was bloody excited about seeing one of my favourite bands playing live, and managed to squeeze [...]