The Black Keys: Did You Know?
The Black Keys: 7 Fun Facts You (Probably) Didn't Know
The Black Keys, the powerhouse duo of Dan Auerbach (vocals, guitar) and Patrick Carney (drums), have made a significant mark on the rock and blues scene since their formation in 2001. While many fans know them for their hits like Lonely Boy and Gold on the Ceiling, there are plenty of lesser-known stories and fun facts about the band. Let’s dive into some surprising nuggets about The Black Keys that even die-hard fans might have missed!
1. They recorded their first album in a basement on an 8-track tape recorder
Most bands dream of big recording studios with top-of-the-line equipment for their debut album. Not The Black Keys. For their first record, The Big Come Up (2002), they recorded in Patrick Carney’s basement using a simple 8-track tape recorder. It cost them just $350 to make the album, and despite the minimal production setup, it caught the attention of music lovers and critics alike. That raw, DIY energy helped define their early sound.
2. The Black Keys almost didn't exist due to a failed audition!
Before The Black Keys came to be, Dan Auerbach was working as a solo musician, and he invited Patrick Carney to back him up for a demo. The irony? Dan had set up another audition with a full band later the same day. However, none of the other musicians showed up, so the two started jamming. That jam session convinced them to form The Black Keys, and the rest is history. One no-show later, we now have over two decades of Black Keys brilliance!
3. They were once really bad at playing live
It’s hard to imagine a band like The Black Keys struggling with live performances, but when they first started out, they had a reputation for some pretty sloppy shows. Early reviews often criticized their stage presence and lack of energy. However, they took the criticism in stride and used it as motivation to improve. Over time, their live performances became so legendary that they’re now one of the best live acts in rock, renowned for their electric energy.
4. They almost didn't release Brothers—their biggest album
In 2009, the band took a short hiatus to work on individual projects, and there was real uncertainty about whether they’d get back together. Dan Auerbach released a solo album, Keep It Hid, while Patrick Carney formed a side project called Drummer. When they eventually regrouped, they weren’t sure if they still had that same chemistry. Thankfully, they did. Their album Brothers (2010) went on to become one of their most successful records, winning three Grammy Awards and launching them into mainstream fame.
5. They turned down a million-dollar offer from... mayonnaise?
At the peak of their early success, The Black Keys were approached with a lucrative million-dollar offer to use their song “Tighten Up” in a mayonnaise commercial. They famously turned it down. The duo has long been protective of their music, avoiding licensing deals that don’t fit their image or artistic values. Auerbach once joked that “Tighten Up” wasn’t exactly “the mayonnaise song” they wanted to be known for.
6. Patrick Carney's feud with Justin Bieber
In 2013, The Black Keys found themselves in an unlikely public feud with pop superstar Justin Bieber. After the band won a Grammy, Carney was asked for his thoughts on Bieber not being nominated. Carney replied, “He’s rich, right? Grammys are for music, not for money. He’s making a lot of money. He should be happy.” Bieber fired back, encouraging his fans to “slap the drummer” in a tweet. Carney, never one to back down, changed his Twitter bio to “Justin Bieber's personal drummer” and let the internet do the rest.
7. They once had a "fake" band name just for fun
When recording sessions became intense or when they wanted to blow off steam, Dan and Patrick would play around under the alias "The Black Roc," a name they used for collaborations with rappers and other artists. They even released an album, Blakroc (2009), featuring artists like Mos Def, RZA, Ludacris, and Raekwon. It’s a unique blend of blues rock and hip-hop and remains a fan favorite for those who love genre-mashing experimentation.
The Black Keys have carved out a unique space in the music world with their blues-inspired rock, DIY attitude, and a history full of unexpected twists and turns. From recording in a basement to turning down a mayonnaise deal, their journey is as colorful as their sound. Whether you're a new listener or a longtime fan, these little-known facts make their story even more fascinating. Keep listening — because you never know what The Black Keys will do next!
The Black Keys have a lot of powerful lyrics, but one of their most meaningful lines comes from their song "Little Black Submarines" off the El Camino album:
"A broken heart is blind."
This simple yet profound lyric captures the deep emotional weight of heartache and the feeling of being lost after a painful relationship. The idea that when you're heartbroken, you may not see things clearly — your perception is clouded by the pain — resonates with many fans who have experienced similar struggles. It's one of those universal truths wrapped in a few words, making it particularly memorable.