The Black Keys split from their management team after canceling their entire North American arena tour.
Billboard reported that the band has left their management team, Irving Azoff and Steve Moir of Full Stop Management, after canceling the tour. Billboard stated that Azoff’s representative confirmed the split, and called it friendly.
The Black Keys joined Full Stop Management in 2021 after leaving their previous manager, John Peets of Q Prime South. The band announced the ‘International Players Tour’ in April with 31 dates in the US and Canada later this year, supporting their 12th album, ‘Ohio Players.’
The Black Keys Members’ Words On Tour Cancellation
The tour, featuring Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, was set to start in September, with The Head And The Heart joining them at some shows. However, the entire tour was canceled abruptly last month without explanation. It was speculated that low ticket sales led to the cancellation, but the band clarified that they axed the tour to play in smaller theaters, similar to their recent European shows. They said in a social media post:
“The band wants to assure everyone that Dan & Patrick are alive and well. 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.”
They also told fans how to get refunds and said thanks for understanding:
“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.”
It seems the band might be moving to smaller venues after hinting at intimate concerts. This suggests ticket sales weren’t as high as expected. Ticket availability data shows the tour didn’t sell well, and some fans blamed high ticket prices.