The Black Keys have established themselves as one of the most talented alternative rock groups. The duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have effectively used their partnership to create something greater than themselves with The Black Keys. However, despite the fact that The Black Keys have spent a considerable amount of time in the spotlight and under the scrutiny of the public eye, there are still some things that many people don’t know. With that in mind, here we present our list of 15 things you probably didn’t know about The Black Keys. Check out part one below, and stay tuned for part two, coming soon!
Number Fifteen: They Got Their Name From a Schizophrenic Friend. Though you might think there’s some long-standing music-related story behind the name of their band, in fact, the duo got their name from a schizophrenic friend who would always call them “black keys,” similar to being a “bad egg.”
Number Fourteen: They Almost Did a Mayonnaise Commercial. The Black Keys were offered the opportunity to go overseas and do a commercial for mayonnaise for 200,000 pounds. Despite the fact that they could have used the money, they turned the opportunity down because they thought it might make them look bad.
Number Thirteen: They Aren’t Too Glamorous. In fact, The Black Keys recorded Brothers in “a cinderblock building in the middle of nowhere in Alabama” with just five microphones, a drum set, and a guitar amp, according to Patrick Carney. Clearly, the duo is talented enough that they don’t need any fancy equipment.
Number Twelve: They Are Featured in Several Soundtracks. If you want to hear The Black Keys while you’re watching movies, try watching School of Rock or Black Snake Moan. You’ll hear “Set You Free” and “When the Lights Go Out” while you’re watching!
Number Eleven: They’re Also Featured in Video Games. If you’ve ever played Grand Theft Auto IV or FIFA ’11, then you’ve heard The Black Keys. Tell that to your little brother the next time he criticizes your taste in music!
Number Ten: Dan Auerbach Was a “Cool” Guy in High School. In fact, Auerbach was the captain of his high school soccer team! He was also reportedly very popular in high school.
Number Nine: They Support Obama. In 2008, The Black Keys actually played a show in their hometown of Akron, Ohio to support him. Stay tuned for part two of our list of the 15 things you didn’t know about The Black Keys, coming soon!