Featured Image: Rob Ridley
The Black Keys have quietly cancelled their International Players Tour, which was due to begin in September with a string of shows across North America.
Announced in early April, the tour was set to feature stops at major locations such as New York’s Madison Square Garden and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Further stops were scheduled for Seattle, Boston and Milwaukee.
Following news of the cancellation of the entire North American leg, the band took to social media to explain that they wished to appear at more intimate venues, just like their European dates.
In a statement, The Black Keys said: “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.
“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.”
While the majority of fans were excited for the band to play in quieter venues, others wondered if the cancellation was down to low ticket sales. One user on Instagram commented: “I would happily pay 3x the money to watch y’all in a tinier venue.”
However, another said: “Translation: we can’t fill arenas or stadiums, so theatres and clubs it is. No shame. It’s a new day.”
Earlier this month, The Black Keys performed at Manchester’s Co-op Live, which was finally able to open after a series of setbacks.
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