There’s a particular electricity that fills a venue like the Wells Fargo Center when a band like The Black Keys hits the stage. October 2019 was no exception. The air was buzzing with anticipation as fans of all ages found their seats, waving merchandise, chatting excitedly, and waiting for the duo from Akron, Ohio, to turn their meticulously crafted blues-rock catalog into a full-throttle live experience. Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have built a reputation for creating songs that feel raw and immediate on record, but live, they transform them into something even bigger, louder, and more immersive.
The opening notes of “I Got Mine” hit the arena with a crunching intensity that immediately grabbed the crowd. Auerbach’s gritty vocals cut through Carney’s relentless drum grooves, setting the tone for a night that balanced explosive energy with moments of melodic introspection. The song’s driving rhythm had fans clapping along, some already jumping in place, while the stage lighting painted sharp lines across the band, emphasizing the raw power of their performance. From the very first note, it was clear that the night would be as much about visceral sound as it was about familiar songs.
Following the opening, the band eased into “Eagle Birds,” a more mid-tempo number that allowed the crowd to settle into the hypnotic, bluesy swing of The Black Keys’ sound. The interplay between Auerbach’s guitar and Carney’s drums was effortless, almost telepathic. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why this duo has remained relevant for over a decade—the chemistry is as tight live as it is on record, and both musicians know exactly how to ride each song to its emotional peak.
“Tell Me Lies” continued the momentum, adding a dose of groove-heavy dynamics. Auerbach’s voice alternated between plaintive croon and urgent bark, each line landing with a satisfying punch, while Carney’s drums provided a steady, hypnotic anchor that had the crowd moving in unison. The arena felt alive, every section echoing with the beat, and the band fed off the audience’s energy, stretching notes just enough to heighten the tension before snapping them back into the main riff.
The first major sing-along of the evening came with “Gold on the Ceiling.” The arena erupted when the familiar intro rang out, and fans immediately joined in on the chorus. The song’s upbeat energy was contagious, and the band leaned into it, allowing the audience to take center stage for a moment. Auerbach’s guitar solo was fiery yet precise, threading seamlessly into Carney’s thunderous, yet controlled, drumming. It was one of those tracks that proved why live performances can make even well-known songs feel new again—this wasn’t just nostalgia, it was a celebration of the music itself.
Next, “Fever” slowed the pace slightly, allowing the stage lights and smoke effects to set a moodier atmosphere. The song’s groovy, synth-infused blues-rock vibe translated perfectly to the live arena, with Auerbach’s vocals wrapping around the melody in a way that felt both sultry and commanding. The audience swayed and clapped, fully immersed in the hypnotic rhythm, while Carney subtly added textures with cymbal flourishes and snare hits that elevated the performance.
“Next Girl” and “Fire Walk With Me” followed in quick succession, blending sultry grooves with punchy riffs. The contrast between Auerbach’s clean yet biting guitar tones and Carney’s punchy drumming gave the songs a layered depth that made every chord and beat feel purposeful. During these numbers, it became clear that The Black Keys have perfected the art of balancing their blues-rock roots with contemporary rock energy, keeping fans engaged from the first note to the last.
The mood shifted with “Walk Across the Water” and “Everlasting Light.” These tracks showcased the band’s ability to craft expansive soundscapes even as a two-piece. Auerbach’s voice floated effortlessly over the instrumentals, layered subtly with effects that created a sense of depth, while Carney’s drums filled the space with precision, propelling each track forward without ever overpowering it. There was a cinematic quality to these performances, making the arena feel like it had been transformed into a living, breathing musical story.
By the time “Howlin’ for You” and “10 A.M. Automatic” came around, the crowd was fully engaged. Hands waved, feet stomped, and shouts of recognition punctuated every chorus. “Howlin’ for You” in particular had the arena bouncing, its infectious rhythm and hooky vocal lines impossible to resist. The band’s performance was tight but loose enough to feel spontaneous, giving fans the sense they were experiencing something raw and unrepeatable.
The setlist continued to blend hits with deep cuts, moving seamlessly into “Your Touch” and “Strange Times.” Both songs had the arena hooked with their infectious grooves, Auerbach’s guitar riffs sharp and expressive, Carney’s drums providing a heartbeat that kept the crowd moving. There was a palpable sense of joy in watching a band so clearly in sync with their own music, delivering each note with precision while still allowing space for improvisation and nuance.
“Tighten Up” and “Thickfreakness” brought the energy up again, the former igniting one of the biggest sing-along moments of the night. Fans belted the chorus in perfect unison, creating a communal energy that the band seemed to feed off. “Thickfreakness” was rawer, funkier, and bluesier, reminding everyone of The Black Keys’ early garage-rock roots. Auerbach’s riffs bit sharply, Carney’s drums punctuated every groove, and the crowd couldn’t help but move with every beat.
The final stretch of the main set included “Ten Cent Pistol” and “Little Black Submarines,” each performed with an intensity that made the audience forget the outside world. “Little Black Submarines” built slowly, starting with delicate fingerpicked guitar before exploding into full-on electric rock fury, leaving the arena cheering in collective awe. The main set concluded with “Lonely Boy,” arguably the band’s most widely recognized anthem. The crowd exploded when the opening riff hit, everyone singing along, jumping and shouting, the energy at a fever pitch as the band delivered every note with blistering precision.
After a brief pause, The Black Keys returned for their encore, starting with “Lo/Hi,” the modern hit that showcased the band’s continued evolution. The driving rhythm and catchy chorus had the arena bouncing instantly. From there, “Go” followed, another high-energy number that had the crowd on their feet. The night concluded with “She’s Long Gone,” a perfect blend of bluesy melancholy and rock swagger, leaving the audience with a sense of both satisfaction and longing.
Here’s the full setlist from the night:
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I Got Mine
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Eagle Birds
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Tell Me Lies
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Gold on the Ceiling
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Fever
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Next Girl
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Fire Walk With Me
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Walk Across the Water
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Everlasting Light
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Howlin’ for You
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10 A.M. Automatic
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Your Touch
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Strange Times
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Tighten Up
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Thickfreakness
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Ten Cent Pistol
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Little Black Submarines
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Lonely Boy
Encore:
19. Lo/Hi
20. Go
21. She’s Long Gone
By the end of the night, it was clear why The Black Keys remain one of the most compelling live acts in modern rock. They are a band that thrives on chemistry, musicianship, and the ability to make a huge arena feel intimate. Every song felt alive, every note intentional, yet spontaneous, and the audience responded in kind, singing, dancing, and moving as one. The Wells Fargo Center wasn’t just a venue that night; it was a living testament to why The Black Keys have stayed relevant, thrilling audiences with a blend of blues roots, rock swagger, and undeniable talent.
The 2019 performance was more than a concert—it was a celebration of the band’s catalog, a journey through decades of hits and deep cuts, and a reminder that when Auerbach and Carney step on stage, even a packed arena can feel like your own private, unforgettable musical experience.