Patrick Carney of the Black Keys has made a bold statement, claiming that his band “got f-ed.” This comes in the wake of their North American tour being abruptly canceled and their split from their management team.
Carney, who has been relatively silent on social media, broke his silence with a cryptic message. “We got f-ed. I’ll let you all know how so it doesn’t happen to you. Stay tuned,” he posted.
Last month, the band announced the cancellation of their upcoming tour, which was set to start on September 17. Initially, there was speculation that low ticket sales were to blame. However, the band later clarified the situation on their social media platforms.
“Following the recent run of shows in the U.K. and Europe, including stops at iconic venues like Brixton Academy and the Zenith in Paris, we have decided to make some changes to the North American leg of the International Players Tour that will enable us to offer a similarly exciting, intimate experience for both fans and the band, and will be announcing a revised set of dates shortly,” they wrote.
In addition to the tour cancellation, the Black Keys also parted ways with their management team, Irving Azoff and Steve Moir of Full Stop Management. A representative for Azoff confirmed to Billboard that the split was “amicable.”
As of now, no new tour dates have been announced. The only concert currently listed on the band’s website is for July 6 at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race music festival.
Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach, the duo behind the Black Keys, have been navigating a tumultuous period. The sudden cancellation of their tour and the split from their management team have left fans and industry insiders speculating about the reasons behind these decisions.
In a May 26 Instagram post, the band addressed the tour overhaul, thanking fans for their understanding and apologizing for the surprise change. “We’re pretty sure everyone is going to be excited when you see what we have in mind though, and look forward to seeing everyone soon,” they wrote.
The Black Keys had been working with Irving Azoff and Steve Moir since 2021. Azoff, a legendary figure in the music industry, is known for his “bare-knuckle tactics” in negotiations. He has managed artists like the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Bon Jovi, and Steely Dan.
Azoff’s reputation in the industry is well-documented. At their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Eagles’ Don Henley famously said of Azoff, “He may be Satan, but he’s our Satan.”
Despite the “amicable” nature of the split, the suddenness of the decision has raised eyebrows. Fans are eagerly awaiting further details from Carney, who has promised to reveal more about the circumstances that led to the band’s recent turmoil.
For now, the Black Keys are focusing on retooling their tour to offer a more intimate experience for their fans. The band’s website and social media accounts will likely be the first places to look for updates on new tour dates and other announcements.
As the situation unfolds, fans and industry insiders alike are left to wonder what exactly led to the abrupt changes in the Black Keys’ plans. Carney’s promise to share more details has only heightened the anticipation.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Black Keys navigate this challenging period and work towards delivering a memorable experience for their fans.
