The Black Keys stormed into Boston on August 16, 2025, for a wild evening at the (MGM) Music Hall at Fenway. The duo—Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney—launched their “No Rain, No Flowers” tour with the kind of swagger and retro-blues power that’s made them live legends. From the first riffs, it was a ride through their gritty roots, through their soulful evolution, and straight into a damn-near rock-‘n’-roll celebration.
Full Setlist
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Thickfreakness / The Breaks / I’ll Be Your Man (medley)
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Your Touch
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Gold on the Ceiling
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Fever
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Wild Child
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I Got Mine
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Everlasting Light
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Lo/Hi
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Weight of Love
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Psychotic Girl
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Next Girl
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Tighten Up
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Man on a Mission
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Too Afraid to Love You
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On the Road Again (Canned Heat cover)
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No Rain, No Flowers
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Heavy Soul
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Howlin’ for You
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She’s Long Gone
Encore
20. Little Black Submarines
21. Lonely Boy
The Energy
From the moment they ripped into that three-song medley—“Thickfreakness” right into “The Breaks,” capped with “I’ll Be Your Man”—the crowd was galvanized. That trio wasn’t just a nod to their gritty origins; it was a statement that this band still exudes raw, unfiltered rock energy. Dan’s guitar snarled; Pat’s drumming punched like a weight hitting the floor.
Then came “Your Touch,” and the venue practically erupted. That riff, man—so iconic—and the band seized it, turning it into a bouncing beast of connection. And it never let up. Every track pushed, pulled, oozed groove, swinging from fuzzed-out garage tones to shimmering, soulful chorus lines.
Highlights & Crowd Moments
It’s almost unfair to single out individual highlights when the whole night lit up, but here are a few moments that had the crowd on another level:
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“Gold on the Ceiling” hit like a euphoric burst. Dan’s swagger was contagious, the crowd was singing, and the lights just locked in sync.
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The simmer of suspense during “Fever” was electric. That slow burn into its chorus broke into cheers that vibrated through the seats.
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“On the Road Again” was a joyous curve-ball. That slide guitar solo was more fire than homage, and the crowd ate it up—no contest.
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“No Rain, No Flowers” introduced us to their latest material without losing a drop of momentum. A moment of reflection in the set that felt earned.
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“Little Black Submarines” in the encore deserves a slow clap even before it explodes. Dan started it off in haunting quiet, then band crashed through—pure goosebumps.
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Closing with “Lonely Boy”? Damn near perfect. That familiar lick, the mass sing-along, lights faltering in unison—it’s a crowd-finisher that lives up to every word.
The Vibe
The crowd was totally in sync with the band—young, old, leather-jacket types and indie kids all bouncing together. This wasn’t some distant arena experience; Fenway’s venue size made it intimate but still epic. Head-banging, fist-pumping, and singing word-for-word—it was communal in all the best ways.
Visuals? Subtle, and smart. The lighting roamed smooth—from blistering white strobes to bluesy haze that matched the riffs. It let the band’s vibe shine without distractions. A few well-timed spotlight hits, some flickers of color, and the stage was a classic rock canvas.
Tiny Quibbles
A couple of things stood out, not as show-stoppers, but worth a mention:
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Some deeper cuts might’ve thrilled the hardcore fans—this set leaned heavily on hits and the new album, which is awesome for main characters, but a surprise track or two would’ve been sweet.
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From the farthest seats, the bass sometimes turned into mushier territory. You could feel it more than hear the nuances; still, the groove made up for it.
Final Thoughts
The Black Keys delivered a vintage performance with modern fire. They’ve aged like a fine whiskey—just more powerful, more assured, and still somehow brimming with the playful chaos of a garage band on its first night. This was a night of fuzz, soul, chops, and feel-good moments. Dan and Pat sparked magic, and Boston sang along like it was their own personal sing-along.
So if you’re chasing live music that hits you in the gut and lifts you in the chest, this was it. No nostalgia tour, no tired rock relics—just two dudes still loving the hell out of playing loud, soulful rock. The Black Keys’ show at Fenway was more than a concert. It was a pulse-quickening reminder that great rock still breathes—and Boston felt every breath.
If you’d like to turn this into a fuller piece with song-by-song breakdowns or more fan anecdotes, just say the word—happy to dig deeper!