Last night. The Black Keys delivered a rocking performance at AO Arena Manchester during their ‘Dropout Boogie’ album tour.
Opening the show was Shannon and the Clams. A doo-wop/rockabilly band from Oakland, California. However, despite expecting a larger crowd, the arena floor appeared surprisingly empty. Shannon’s comments highlighted this fact. Nevertheless, the band defied expectations and pleasantly surprised the audience.
Following Shannon and the Clams. Spoon, the revered art rock/post-punk revival band from Austin, Texas, took the stage. With their chilled indie vibe and occasional dives into experimental territory, Spoon has amassed a cult following over their thirty-year career. This time, they embarked on a tour for their tenth album, ‘Lucifer on the Sofa.’ Bursting onto the stage with infectious energy, Spoon captivated the audience with flawlessly executed performance.
And finally.
The highly anticipated main even. The powerhouse performance by The Black Keys. Without hesitation, they launched into their opening track, ‘I Got Mine,’ setting the crowd on fire with their electrifying energy. Backed by a talented ensemble and accompanied by an impressive LED wall, the band created an immersive experience that transcended the boundaries of the arena. The LED wall seamlessly transformed, oscillating between transparency and a dazzling wall of lights, perfectly complementing the band’s sonic journey. The Black Keys curated a pulsating light show for their faster tracks, engulfing the audience in a whirlwind of visual stimulation. For their slower, bluesy tunes, mesmerising oil wheel visuals were projected onto the LED wall, captivating every onlooker.
Throughout the night, Dan Auerbach’s vocals soared, infusing each lyric with unbridled passion. His impeccable guitar solos left the crowd in awe, flawlessly executed with precision and soul. Patrick Carney’s drumming was nothing short of electrifying, driving each song with relentless energy, flawlessly synchronized with every beat.
The only interruption to the mesmerizing performance occurred during ‘Gold On The Ceiling’ when Dan halted the song, addressing a disruptive individual in the crowd. Expressing concern for the safety of those nearby, Dan’s words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of unity and respect within the shared experience. The crowd responded with resounding applause, standing in solidarity with the band’s message.
In a fitting culmination, The Black Keys closed their unforgettable performance with an encore, featuring the heartfelt ‘Little Black Submarines’ and the crowd-favorite ‘Lonely Boy.’ As the audience gradually exited the arena, the melody of ‘Lonely Boy’ lingered in the air, a testament to the indelible impact of The Black Keys on their devoted fans. It was evident that The Black Keys had left an enduring mark on Manchester.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BLACK KEYS AND THIER TOUR CAN BE FOUND HERE
📸 CREDIT – HELEN MILLINGTON
