Formed in 2001 and consisting of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, the Black Keys has been making music together for over two decades and has become a staple in the modern rock scene. With their unique blend of blues, rock, and garage influences, the duo has amassed a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim. One of the defining characteristics of their sound is their raw, stripped-down approach to rock music.
Auerbach’s guitar riffs and soulful vocals are backed by Carney’s hard-hitting drum beats, creating a dynamic and powerful sound that has been likened to classic rock acts like Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones. Today, we will be looking at five essential facts that will take you into the band’s world to get to know them better.
5. The Band’s Name Comes From A Schizophrenic Artist
The Black Keys’ name has an interesting origin. As the story goes, a schizophrenic artist from Akron would call the two ‘the black keys,’ a phrase he used to describe people who were ‘not quite right.’ Auerbach and Carney were attracted to the concept and used it as the name for their musical project, which turned out to be highly successful.
4. Patrick Carney Suffered From Hackers
In 2010, an unfortunate incident happened when hackers accessed the personal email account of Patrick Carney. They sent out messages claiming that the drummer was stuck in the UK and required money to return home. Following numerous text messages from his loved ones, Carney managed to close the account, and luckily, there were no serious financial outcomes.
3. ‘Brothers’ Album Won Three Grammy Awards
The band’s sixth studio album, ‘Brothers,’ is a turning point in their career, as it marked their commercial breakthrough. The record features some of the Black Keys’ most iconic songs, including ‘Tighten Up,’ ‘Howlin’ For You,’ and ‘Everlasting Light.’ The album also won three Grammy Awards. With ‘Tighten Up,’ they won in the category of Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. ‘Brothers’ was also the winner in the categories of Best Alternative Music Album and Best Recording Package.
2. Patrick Carney Once Slammed Nickelback
In a 2012 interview with Rolling Stone, Patrick Carney slammed Nickelback, saying that rock and roll was deteriorating because people were accepting that Nickelback was the biggest band in the world, resulting in people tolerating the notion that the most prominent rock band in the scene would always be terrible. Hence, one should never attempt to become the biggest band in the world.
Carney also said that rock and roll was the genre he was most passionate about, and he didn’t like to witness it being ruined and served to the public in a weakened, awful manner. As a response, the Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger mocked the drummer on Twitter, writing they appreciated Carney for acknowledging them as the biggest band in the world in his interview.
1. Dan Auerbach Is A Friend Of ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons
Dan Auerbach is friends with the legendary ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons. The pair first met through their mutual friend, famous producer Rick Rubin. Additionally, the two collaborated on a recording session, which Gibbons described as “hyper-pedal.” Later on, Gibbons also appeared as a guest musician on the song, ‘Good Love,’ from the Black Keys’ eleventh studio album, ‘Dropout Boogie.’
