Written by Jim Bille
Apr 24, 2012 at 08:00 PM

ImageI told everyone six years ago in my previous review of the Black Keys that if you wanted to see them in a small venue you had better do it quick. Well I’m no prognosticator but my prediction was apparently correct judging from the maxed out capacity crowd at the Woodlands Pavilion last Tuesday night. This stop was one of several mega shows by the Black Keys as they are in the midst of an extended tour of the U.S. and Canada throughout the summer. 

The Akron, Ohio power duo of Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach has really come a long way since I last saw them live in 2006. There may have been about 200 fans that night at Numbers compared to 16,000 or so adoring fans at the Woodlands.

Back then they still had somewhat of an indie cult following, but now, with the release of three major albums in the last few years that include “Attack and Release”, “Brothers” and “El Camino” the Keys are now in full stride and selling out major venues worldwide.

ImageKnown for their musical minimalist approach of guitar and drums the BK’s have been incorporating more instruments on their later albums and in concert. The Houston show included Gus Seyffert on bass and John Wood on keyboards for quite a few numbers such as “Gold on the Ceiling” and “Run Right Back” from the Black Keys most current monster release, ‘El Camino’.

About mid way through the show Seyffert and Wood exited the stage and left the Black Keys stripped back to the bare bones combo most fans recognize. It was this part of the show that featured a little bit of everything from most of their earlier releases including, “Thickfreakness”, “Girl is on My Mind”, “I’ll be Your Man” and “Your Touch”. This part of the show seemed to energize the crowd even more since many fans probably expected to see the Black Keys as a duo this night. 

Anyone’s concern about how the Black Keys ragged edge blues rock sound would translate from smaller venues or clubs to the arena was put to rest during this set. The two simply did it the way they always do…. but maybe a little bit louder. 

Even though the Black Keys are now headlining stadiums they still keep their production fairly simple. With the exception of one giant mirrored ball at the end of the show there was not much visual glitz or flash to get in the way of the music.

ImageThe Black Keys are touring in support of their latest release “El Camino” and most of it was featured throughout the evening. This CD is the definite deal maker for the Black Keys, their previous release “Brothers” did garner a handful of Grammy’s for them but this one will cement their status as one of the best bands out there today.

My latest Black Keys prediction is that “El Camino” will sweep the Grammy’s this year. I’m playing the lottery if I hit on this one.

Coming from Northeastern Ohio myself I always like to see local boys do well, but the Black Keys have gone far beyond being just another great band I can brag about from my home state. Their music remains edgy and original and continues to evolve and mature with each new release. I can’t wait to see and hear what the future holds for the Black Keys and their fans.


Woodlands, TX set list:
Howlin’ for You
Next Girl
Run Right Back
Same Old Thing
Dead and Gone
Gold on the Ceiling
Thickfreakness
Girl is on My Mind
I’ll be Your Man
Your Touch
Little Black Submarines
Money Maker
Strange Times
Nova Baby
Ten Cent Pistol
Tighten Up
Lonely Boy
Encore Numbers:
Everlasting Light
She’s Long Gone
I Got Mine