The Black Keys’ drummer, Patrick Carney, has left fans in suspense with a blunt and cryptic message following the band’s sudden cancellation of their North American arena tour and the termination of their management team. “We got f—ed,” Carney posted on social media, hinting at an explanation to come. He added, “I’ll let you all know how so it doesn’t happen to you. Stay tuned.”
A representative for the Black Keys declined to provide further details when contacted by Entertainment Weekly.
Last month, Carney and his bandmate Dan Auerbach unexpectedly canceled their International Players Tour, which was set to take place in arenas and amphitheaters across North America, starting at the BOK Center in Tulsa on September 17. The tour dates were removed from the band’s social media accounts and website shortly after being announced. A subsequent Instagram post from the band assured fans that Carney and Auerbach were “alive and well,” and explained that the arena dates were scrapped in favor of more “intimate” venues.
In addition to the tour cancellation, the duo also parted ways with their managers, Irving Azoff and Steve Moir, who had been with them since 2021. The New York Times first reported the split, with a representative for Azoff and Moir stating that they “amicably parted” with the band. Entertainment Weekly has reached out to Azoff and Moir for comment.
Currently, no new dates have been announced for the scaled-down version of the Black Keys’ tour. The band’s website only lists a one-off performance on July 6 at Chicago’s NASCAR Street Race.
In a May 26 Instagram post addressing the arena tour overhaul, the Black Keys wrote, “Thank you for your understanding and apologies 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.”
The turmoil within the band has been making headlines, with fans eagerly awaiting more information. Carney’s recent social media post has only added to the intrigue, as he promised to reveal more details about the situation.
The Black Keys’ decision to cancel their arena tour and switch to more intimate venues has left many fans puzzled. The sudden change in plans, coupled with the split from their high-profile management team, has raised questions about the band’s future direction.
Irving Azoff, one of the managers the band parted ways with, is a well-known figure in the music industry. He has managed legendary artists such as the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Journey, and Bon Jovi. Azoff is also the former CEO of Ticketmaster and the former chairman of its parent company, Live Nation. He co-founded Oak View Group, a live entertainment advisory service, though he is no longer listed as an executive there.
Azoff’s management style has earned him a reputation for being tough and aggressive in negotiations. The L.A. Times reported that Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker once said they hired Azoff because he “impressed us with his taste for the jugular … and his bizarre spirit.” Eagles co-founder Don Henley famously remarked at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, “As I’ve said before, he may be Satan — but he’s our Satan.”
Despite the recent upheaval, the Black Keys remain optimistic about their future plans. Their Instagram post hinted at exciting new developments, and fans are eagerly awaiting more information.
As the band navigates this period of change, Carney’s promise to share more details about the situation has left fans on edge. The drummer’s blunt message has only added to the anticipation, as fans speculate about what led to the sudden tour cancellation and management split.
For now, the Black Keys’ future plans remain uncertain. The band’s decision to cancel their arena tour and switch to more intimate venues has left many questions unanswered. However, Carney’s promise to reveal more details suggests that fans won’t have to wait long to learn the full story.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to the band’s upcoming performance at Chicago’s NASCAR Street Race on July 6. As the Black Keys continue to navigate this period of change, their loyal fanbase remains eager to see what the future holds for the rock duo.
