The Black Keys are completely scrapping a North American arena tour that was scheduled to kick off in September, but they plan to be back. In a statement posted on social media over the weekend, the band explained that they're revamping the format into an "exciting, intimate experience" and "will be announcing a revised set of dates shortly."
“The band wants to assure everyone that Dan [Auerbach] & Patrick [Carney] are alive and well," reads the statement. "Following the recent run of shows in the UK & Europe, including stops at iconic venues like Brixton Academy and the Zenith in Paris, we have decided to make some changes to the North American leg of the ‘International Players Tour’ that will enable us to offer a similarly exciting, intimate experience for both fans and the band, and will be announcing a revised set of dates shortly."
"Everyone who had purchased tickets and/or VIP to the initial tour dates will be fully refunded – and when the new plans are announced, will be the first to be able to buy tickets," it continues. "Thank you for your understanding and apologies for the surprise change… We’re pretty sure everyone is going to be excited when you see what we have in mind though, and look forward to seeing everyone soon.”
The tour is in support of The Black Keys' latest album Ohio Players. See their full statement below.