by photojournalist Jeffrey Moellering

Akron, Ohio indie blues rockers The Black Keys stopped into the BayCare Sound in downtown Clearwater on a toasty but beautiful July 28th Tuesday evening and provided a rousing performance during their ongoing “Peaches ‘N Kream 2026 World Tour”, in support of their 14th studio album, “Peaches”.

Opening the evening was Atlanta based Eddie 9V, who brought plenty of energy from the moment he hit the stage, blending elements of soul, blues, country, gospel, and folk into a distinctive Southern sound. There were numerous folks perched right up against the railing of the photo pit near the stage who were very enthusiastic fans following Eddie around on a summer junket, and for good reason. Backed by a fantastic band including organ, bass and drums, he delivered a set packed with blues, Southern soul, and roots-rock swagger. Songs like “Yella Alligator” and “3 AM in Chicago” stood out, showcasing both his strong songwriting and deep appreciation for classic blues traditions.

Eddie’s guitar playing was a real highlight during a grooving set, moving from smooth, soulful licks to fiery solos that got the crowd revved up. Add in his deep, heartfelt vocals, and every song felt truly genuine and full of character. Eddie 9V definitely gained many new Tampa Bay area fans, who will no doubt turn out the next time he comes to town, including myself!

By the time Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney hit the stage with The Black Keys, the BayCare Sound was packed to the rafters with rowdy fans ready to rock, who indeed witnessed a nonstop celebration of everything that has made this Ohio duo one of the most influential rock acts of the last two decades.

Their 14th album “Peaches” was born out of heartbreak, after Auerbach learned about the terminal cancer diagnosis of his father. They went into the studio and jammed, ultimately recording the current album with essentially live takes, and while all ten songs are covers, they are done in a raw manner and style born organically from The Black Keys signature sound, and weren’t rehearsed in advance – they just “happened”, and you really get that feel on the album.
The night kicked off with “I Got Mine” a powerful blast from their 5th album “Attack and Release” Longtime fans were instantly transported back to the band’s garage-rock roots before they launched into crowd favorites like “Gold on the Ceiling” and “Fever” proving just how effortlessly they’ve evolved while staying true to their signature sound.

Auerbach was electric, delivering scorching guitar riffs and soulful vocals with confidence and charisma, while Carney’s thunderous drumming drove every song with hard driving energy. It’s great to see the drummer placed out in front of the stage, as was the case in the early days of rock & roll.

And, while the band is a partnership duo between Auerbach and Carney, the current touring lineup features an impressive six-person attack, including Jimbo Mathis on keyboards, Chris St. Hilaire on percussion, British born Barrie Cadogan on guitar, and Joe Harrison on bass. The synergy between Auerbach and Cadogan on guitar was palpable, with many phenomenal instrumental dueling riff sections. Auerbach probably won’t be compared to Stevie Ray Vaughn, but he doesn’t have to be, because with The Black Keys, it’s not about how many notes they play, but rather about playing the right notes. That’s what they’ve always been about, stripping things down to their essential core to get at the heart of the matter. Dan’s vocals remind me of a kind of American version of Paul Rogers of Bad Company fame, with a similar timbre and a bit grittier.

Adding to the vibe was the vintage-inspired lighting, like an old movie theater, bold visuals, and a beautiful stage production, which elevated the performance into something truly memorable. It really felt like a show I might have attended 25 years ago, which demonstrates how such music will never fall out of fashion. The Clearwater audience was a true cross section of America, including many younger fans in attendance, cheering for songs more akin to what their grandparents may have listened to. Even in this electronic age of DJs and making music from samples in your bedroom, there will always be a place for passionately banging it out the old-fashioned way.

The evening finished up with a raucous version of the Iggy Pop rager “I Wanna Be Your Dog”, and a thunderous reception to their classic in the finale, with “Lonely Boy”, everyone on their feet, chanting in unison.

There’s been chatter by some naysayers that The Black Keys are merely a nostalgia act without staying power, and that they’ll ultimately be relegated to the State Fair, has-been circuit. If the fans in attendance at Tuesday’s BayCare Sound affair are any indication, the two childhood buddies from Akron will continue filling arenas for as long as they want to keep the party going!