The Black Keys Cancel U.S. Arena Tour, Promising ‘Intimate’ Revised Dates

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The Black Keys have taken down the 31 scheduled arena dates for the duo’s “International Players” tour that was due to kick off in September, promising a revised tour routing in more intimate venues.

“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,” the band shared on its social media channels Monday.

“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,” the statement continued. “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 band’s only North American appearance currently listed is at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race at Grant Park. which takes place July 6.

The blues-rock duo just wrapped up a run of UK and Ireland dates, which included arenas such as the new Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, 3Arena in Dublin, and two nights at the O2 Academy Brixton in London.

No reason was given for the change in tour plans although, in response to the news, fans complained of ticket prices and many primary tickets were available before the dates were removed over the weekend.

Others welcomed the chance to see the band in a theater or club setting. The band’s 2022 “Dropout Boogie” North American tour was a similar length, playing arenas and amphitheaters mostly in the 8,000 to 12,000-capacity range, with many sellouts reported to Pollstar including Budweiser Stage in Toronto, Pine Knob Music Theater near Detroit and Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, which reported 13,676 tickets sold.

The 2024 North American dates were to kick off at BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sept. 17, running into mid-November.