Photos and Review by Micah Gummel
Cage the Elephant show photos HERE
Black Keys show photos HERE
Pure Energy. That’s the best way to describe the American rock band from Bowling Green, Kentucky, Cage the Elephant’s. Singer Matt Shultz strolled out casually and nonchalantly, almost as if he was shy of the spotlight, yet, when he reached center stage, it was like he turned in to Mick Jagger for the rest of the evening. He was dynamic, energetic first class stage presence. From the opening notes of “Spiderhead” to the encore, Cage the Elephant was all get-up-and-go.
Cage the Elephant had the crowd on their toes for most the set, especially during fan favorites like “In One Ear,” “Aberdeen,” “Back Against The Wall.” They saved their mellow hit “Shake Me Down” for the encore as a sort of goodbye once everyone had caught their breath.
Cage The Elephant was definitely a solid pick for an opening act for the “Turn Blue” tour that is for sure.
Next up was the Black Keys “Turn Blue” is the name of the Black Keys‘ tour. It’s also the name of the retro blues-rock duo’s latest album
“Let’s keep it moving right along,” said singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach, who positioned himself to the left of drummer Patrick Carney. And for the better part of 95 minutes the band’s touring members Richard Swift (bass) and John Wood (keyboard/guitar) rounded out the lineup — did precisely that, moving from one blistering cut to the next with workmanlike fervor.
Playing against a backdrop designed to look like a Hollywood soundstage — dozens of stage lights formed a glowing metallic forest behind the musicians Live footage of the show was projected on big screens, but often through distorting filters that made the footage indecipherable.
The set list was packed heavy with energetic hit singles, including Lonely Boy, Tighten Up, Gold on the Ceiling and Howlin’ for You; the latter two tunes elicited a roomful of na-na-na-naaas sung in time with Auerbach’s guitar riffs.
The two men closed out the evening on their own no pomp, no ensemble players evoked a no-fuss setting as the Black Keys are known for. If you get the chance to catch a show you will not be disappointed.
Cage the Elephant
Black Keys
Cage the Elephant Setlist
Spiderhead
In One Ear
Aberdeen
Take It or Leave It
Cigarette Daydreams
Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked
Back Against the Wall
It’s Just Forever
Teeth
Shake Me Down
Come a Little Closer
Black Keys Setlist
Dead and Gone
Next Girl
Run Right Back
Same Old Thing
Gold on the Ceiling
Strange Times
Nova Baby
Leavin’ Trunk
Too Afraid to Love You
Howlin’ for You
A Girl Like You
Money Maker
Gotta Get Away
She’s Long Gone
Fever
Tighten Up
Your Touch
Lonely Boy
Encore:
Weight of Love
Turn Blue
Little Black Submarines