The Black Keys with The Velveteers

August 27, 2023 – Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater – Lincoln, NE

On Sunday night August 27, 2023, The Black Keys brought their Dropout Boogie Tour to the Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The weather was absolutely perfect for what turned out to be a tremendous night of live music.

The show kicked off with The Velveteers, a primal rock trio from Boulder, Colorado. The group consists of Demi Demitro, Baby Pottersmith, and Jonny Fig, and they wasted no time in unleashing their raw, unapologetic rock prowess upon us.

Demi Demitro’s commanding presence was captivating. Her voice is a force of nature, capable of both sultry croons and guttural roars that sent shivers down your spine. The way she effortlessly wielded her guitar, sometimes gently coaxing out haunting melodies and at other times assaulting it with an intensity that bordered on the divine, was nothing short of mesmerizing.

John Demitro and Baby Pottersmith, the thunderous backbones of the band, held the audience in a rhythmic trance with their relentless drumming. Their powerful beats were the heartbeat of the night, driving the music forward with precision and passion.

The Velveteers are a breath of fresh air! Their set was a testament to their unwavering dedication to their craft and their ability to create an otherworldly atmosphere. If you ever have the opportunity to witness The Velveteers live, do not hesitate. It’s a sonic odyssey you won’t want to miss!

After a brief intermission, the lights dimmed and The Black Keys took the stage and once again reaffirmed their status as modern blues-rock legends!

The iconic duo, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, showcased their musical prowess in a night that will be etched in the memories of all fortunate enough to attend.

The energy was electric, and it was evident that the Black Keys were at the top of their game.

Dan Auerbach’s bluesy vocals were as soul-stirring as ever, and his virtuoso guitar skills had the crowd in awe. His ability to convey raw emotion through his guitar solos was nothing short of breathtaking. Patrick Carney, on drums, was a powerhouse behind the kit, driving the rhythm with precision and ferocity, and the rest of the band put on a tremendous showing.

The setlist was a rollercoaster of their greatest hits and gems from their extensive discography. Classics like “Gold on the Ceiling,” “Tighten Up,” and “Howlin’ for You” had the audience singing along with fervor, while lesser-known tracks like “Weight of Love” showcased the band’s versatility and growth.

One of the standout moments of the night was when the duo took a more stripped-down approach, performing acoustic versions of some of their songs. This allowed for a more intimate connection with the audience and highlighted the sheer talent and musical chemistry between Auerbach and Carney.

The stage production was simple yet effective, with moody lighting that enhanced the atmosphere and allowed the music to take center stage. There were no flashy distractions—just pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll.

What sets The Black Keys apart is their authenticity. There’s no pretension, no unnecessary theatrics, just incredibly talented musicians pouring their hearts into their music. The crowd could feel it, and it created an undeniable connection between the performers and the audience.

As the final chords of “Little Black Submarines” and “Lonely Boy” resonated through the amphitheater, the standing ovation that followed was well-deserved. The Black Keys had delivered a masterclass in blues-rock that left us craving more.

In a world of ever-evolving musical trends, The Black Keys remain a beacon of timeless rock ‘n’ roll. Their set was a testament to their enduring talent and the enduring power of the blues.

If you’re a fan of raw, soulful rock music, catching The Black Keys live is an experience you won’t want to miss!

The Black Keys setlist: