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The Black Keys
Returned To
Akron For A
Free Show
 The Black Keys |  Dan Auerbach |  Patrick Carney |
|---|---|---|
 The Black Keys |  The Black Keys |  The Black Keys |
 Dan Auerbach |  Akron Civic |
October 27, 2024
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Two local boys, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, better known as The Black Keys, made a return trip to their home town of Akron for a free concert at the Akron Civic Theatre.
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About two weeks ago, the band made it be known on social media that they would be playing a free show as a part of the America Loves Crypto tour. This is a Political Action Committee that supports candidates who favor legislation that is pro-crypto.
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Fans had to register online but that did not guarantee you a seat, as it was limited to just 500 fans. The staging was unique as the band was set up with their backs to the seats and about 250 fans that registered for an NFT got standing room only on the stage, just a few feet away from the band. The other 250 fans got mezzanine seats which were actually behind the band. Commenting on the strange stage setup Auerbach told the audience, "This is the weirdest show we've ever done!"
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Once the doors opened just after 5pm, the crowd was treated to free grilled cheese sandwiches, tater tots, french fries, salad and an open bar provided by the PAC. They were also handing out yard signs and crypto tote bags to anyone who wanted them. At 6pm, there were a handful of speakers who went on stage to talk about crypto and whe they were all about. Not many fans seemed to care because most of them came to see The Black Keys in their home town.
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Just before 7pm, The Black Keys hit the stage with a raucous version of "Gold On The Ceiling" which had everyone moving and singing along.
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The forty-five minute set was chock full of tunes from their over two decade career. The duo played eleven songs from six different albums but leaned heavily on their Grammy Award winning albums, Brothers and El Camino.
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The band sounded fantastic as they plowed through song after song, with very little talking between tunes. A couple of times Auerbach did turn around and say, "How are you guys doing back there?" acknowledging the fans in the seats.
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"Lonely Boy" ended the set and just like that, the show was over. All of this was done before 8pm when most concerts are just starting. It was a very different kind of show but I guess crypto is a very different kind of thing, so in that respect, it all makes sense.
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I'm not sure if they crypto people converted anyone to their cause, but the lucky 500 fans were sure happy to see one of their favorite bands for free in such a historic venue.
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Review by Greg Drugan
Photos by Jeff Weaver
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