The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
–by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys had an amazing performance at The Factory in St. Louis on Sunday, reminding fans why they’ve remained one of the most defining acts in modern blues rock for more than two decades.
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
They blend gritty guitar riffs with soulful vocals and a setlist that never misses, featuring newer material from their album PEACHES! (released on May 1st) and fan favorites like “Lonely Boy” and “Howlin’ for You.” The duo created an evening that appealed to both longtime listeners and newer fans alike.
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
I had the opportunity to photograph the show from the photo pit before moving to the back of the venue to experience it with the rest of the crowd. From both perspectives, the band’s stage presence translated well. Up close, it was easy to appreciate the chemistry between Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, while from the back it became clear just how well the performance connected the entire room.
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
One of the most noticeable aspects of the night was the crowd. It was an incredibly diverse audience, with everyone from goth and rock fans wearing old band tees, to older concertgoers and families with small children. Despite the variety of people in attendance, everyone shared the same excitement; creating a welcoming atmosphere that reflected the broad appeal of The Black Keys’ music.
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys were incredibly consistent from start to finish. Dan Auerbach’s voice held up effortlessly over the course of the set, and the band never missed a beat. Their sound felt full without overpowering the vocals, making it easy to appreciate both the musicianship and the songwriting.
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys brought their signature sound to The Factory without trying to reinvent it, and that’s exactly what made the performance work. Their set celebrated a catalog that has influenced modern rock for years, giving fans the chance to experience songs that have become staples of the genre in a live setting. For longtime listeners and newer fans alike, it was an evening that highlighted why The Black Keys continue to draw audiences after more than twenty years.
Check out the full gallery of photos from their performance after the setlist below.
The Black Keys Setlist:
I Got Mine
Fever
Have Love Will Travel (Richard Berry and the Pharaohs cover)
Just Couldn’t Tie Me Down
Gold on the Ceiling
She Does It Right (Dr. Feelgood cover)
Everlasting Light
Next Girl
Lo/Hi
You Got to Lose (Earl Hooker cover)
Wild Child
Weight of Love
Howlin’ for You
Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire (Willie Griffin cover)
Heavy Soul
Tighten Up
Not Fade Away (The Crickets cover)
She’s Long Gone
Encore:
Little Black Submarine
Lonely Boy
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
The Black Keys performing at The Factory Sunday in St. Louis. Photo by Hailey Dell
