Feature Photo: Kenny Sun, CC BY 2.0
Known for their gritty blues-rock sound, The Black Keys began as a lo-fi, garage rock project but quickly evolved into one of the most influential rock bands of the 21st century. Their early albums, such as The Big Come Up (2002) and Thickfreakness (2003), laid the foundation for their success, and they gained significant recognition with Rubber Factory (2004). Over the years, the band has released multiple platinum-selling albums, earned Grammy Awards, and become known for their raw, blues-inspired music that blends elements of rock, blues, and garage.
The band’s breakthrough came with the release of Brothers (2010), which featured the hit single “Tighten Up” and won multiple Grammy Awards. Their following album, El Camino (2011), propelled them to even greater success with songs like “Lonely Boy” and “Gold on the Ceiling.” With a signature style that blends fuzzy guitar riffs, catchy hooks, and Auerbach’s soulful vocals, The Black Keys have enjoyed commercial success, critical acclaim, and a loyal fan base. The band’s lineup has seen some changes over the years, but Auerbach and Carney have remained the constant driving force behind the music.
Here is an overview of the current and former members of The Black Keys:
Dan Auerbach
Dan Auerbach is the lead vocalist, guitarist, bassist, and keyboardist of The Black Keys. He co-founded the band in 2001 with Patrick Carney. Auerbach’s deep, soulful voice and distinctive guitar playing became the hallmark of the band’s sound. He is also known for his production skills, contributing to the raw and stripped-down sound of the band’s early albums. Auerbach’s guitar work, particularly his use of fuzz and blues-inspired riffs, has been a key component of The Black Keys’ identity. His contributions to albums like Rubber Factory (2004), Brothers (2010), and El Camino (2011) were critical in helping the band gain recognition and establish themselves as one of the leading forces in modern rock music.
Outside of his work with The Black Keys, Auerbach has had a successful solo career, releasing albums such as Keep It Hid (2009) and Waiting on a Song (2017), which further showcase his abilities as both a singer and a producer. Auerbach has also collaborated with numerous artists, including producing for acts like Lana Del Rey, Dr. John, and Ray LaMontagne. His work has solidified his place as a highly respected figure in the music industry, known for his versatile musical talents and his ability to craft timeless sounds across various genres.
Patrick Carney
Patrick Carney is the drummer, keyboardist, guitarist, and percussionist of The Black Keys. Like Auerbach, Carney was a founding member of the band and has been integral to their sound from the very beginning. His minimalist drumming style, combined with his deep sense of rhythm, has been a defining feature of The Black Keys’ music. Carney’s playing, characterized by its raw, forceful energy, helped shape the lo-fi garage rock aesthetic that defined the band’s early albums, like The Big Come Up (2002) and Thickfreakness (2003). On albums like Rubber Factory (2004) and Brothers (2010), Carney’s drumming added intensity and depth to the music, giving it a steady foundation while allowing Auerbach’s guitar work to shine.
Outside of The Black Keys, Carney has worked as a producer and collaborator with several other artists, further demonstrating his musical versatility. He produced albums for artists like The Shins and worked with other bands in various capacities. Carney’s contributions to The Black Keys and the broader music industry have earned him recognition as one of the most influential drummers in modern rock.
Andy Gabbard
Andy Gabbard joined The Black Keys as a touring guitarist and backing vocalist in 2019. Gabbard brought his impressive guitar skills and harmonies to the band’s live performances, adding a new layer of depth to their already dynamic sound. His contributions, particularly his guitar work, helped to fill out the band’s live show, providing additional textures and supporting Auerbach’s lead guitar. His work alongside Auerbach on stage has been instrumental in helping the band transition to a more expansive live sound. Though primarily known for his live performances, Gabbard’s musicianship has added a unique flavor to the band’s shows.
Before joining The Black Keys, Gabbard was involved in various other musical projects, including his role in the band Buffalo Killers, where he played guitar and contributed to the band’s blend of garage rock and folk influences. His background in performing and recording has made him a valuable addition to the live lineup of The Black Keys.
Zach Gabbard
Zach Gabbard, brother of Andy, joined The Black Keys in 2019 as the bassist and backing vocalist. Gabbard’s bass playing brought a solid backbone to the band’s live sound, complementing Carney’s rhythm section while allowing the guitar-driven melodies to take center stage. Zach’s contributions on stage, particularly his backing vocals, have also added more depth and richness to The Black Keys’ live performances. Though relatively new to the band, Gabbard’s ability to adapt to the band’s style has made him an important part of their current touring lineup.
Before joining The Black Keys, Gabbard also played in Buffalo Killers with his brother, further developing his skills as a bassist and performer in the rock genre. His experience in live settings has made him an excellent addition to the touring lineup, adding energy and cohesiveness to the band’s live shows.
Ray Jacildo
Ray Jacildo joined The Black Keys in 2021 as a touring keyboardist, percussionist, and backing vocalist. Jacildo’s contributions to the band have helped broaden their sonic range, with his keyboard and percussion work adding texture and depth to their live performances. He has played an important role in enhancing the band’s dynamic sound, particularly in their more recent live sets. Jacildo’s keyboard work complements Auerbach’s guitar, adding layers of atmosphere and depth to songs that are more stripped-down on the recorded albums.
Before joining The Black Keys, Jacildo had experience as a musician in various other projects. His work as a keyboardist and percussionist, along with his experience on stage, made him a perfect fit for The Black Keys’ evolving live performances.
Chris St. Hilaire
Chris St. Hilaire became a member of The Black Keys’ live touring lineup in 2022, contributing percussion and backing vocals. St. Hilaire’s percussion work added further energy and groove to the band’s already powerful live shows. His playing helps drive the band’s rhythm section, complementing Carney’s drums while adding extra layers of dynamic percussion to songs. His contributions to the band’s live performances have made him an important addition to the band’s on-stage presence.
St. Hilaire is also known for his work as a session musician and in other live settings, where he has brought his percussion skills to a variety of different musical genres. His experience and versatility as a percussionist continue to enhance the live experience of The Black Keys.
Leon Michels
Leon Michels joined The Black Keys in 2010 as a touring member, contributing keyboards and percussion to the band’s live shows. Michels’ addition to the band helped to expand their sonic palette, adding a richer layer of atmospheric sound to their already potent live performances. His keyboard work complemented Auerbach’s guitar, bringing a deeper texture to the band’s tracks, while his percussion contributions added rhythmic complexity to their songs. Michels’ time with the band was instrumental in enhancing the energy and breadth of their live sound during the 2010s.
Outside of his work with The Black Keys, Michels is well known for his work as a producer, multi-instrumentalist, and co-founder of the group El Michels Affair, which blends soul, funk, and instrumental music. He has also collaborated with various artists across genres, including producing for Lee Fields & The Expressions. His career outside the band has solidified his place as an influential figure in modern soul and funk music.
Nick Movshon
Nick Movshon joined The Black Keys in 2010 as the band’s bass guitarist for their live shows. Movshon’s bass playing brought a solid, rhythmic foundation to the band’s performances, allowing the band to explore new sonic landscapes without sacrificing the raw energy that their fans expected. His contributions were particularly noticeable during the Brothers (2010) and El Camino (2011) tours, where his bass lines provided the essential drive for the band’s more expansive, dynamic sound. Movshon played a key role in shaping the live versions of the band’s songs during his time with them.
Before his time with The Black Keys, Movshon was involved in various musical projects and collaborations. He has worked with groups like The Arcs (another project led by Dan Auerbach) and has built a reputation as a skilled bass player in both the studio and live settings.
Gus Seyffert
Gus Seyffert joined The Black Keys in 2010, initially as a touring bassist and backing vocalist. He played a critical role in filling out the sound during the band’s performances, adding depth with his bass lines and harmonies. Seyffert’s contributions to the Brothers (2010) and El Camino (2011) tours were essential in creating a fuller live experience for the audience. His ability to blend seamlessly with the band’s dynamic sound made him a vital part of their touring lineup. Seyffert remained with the band as a bassist until 2013, before moving on to other musical endeavors.
In addition to his work with The Black Keys, Seyffert has had a successful career outside the band, working as a session musician and contributing to a variety of projects. He has worked with artists such as Norah Jones, Beck, and many others, establishing himself as a versatile bassist in the music industry.
John Clement Wood
John Clement Wood joined The Black Keys in 2010, contributing keyboards, backing vocals, guitar, and percussion to the band’s performances. His multi-instrumental talents enriched the band’s live shows, adding another layer of depth to their already complex and textured sound. Wood’s time with the band was particularly notable during the tours for Brothers (2010) and El Camino (2011), where his contributions helped the band transition smoothly between songs with his seamless integration of various instruments. His versatility in both vocal harmonies and instrumentation made him an important asset to the band’s live lineup.
Before joining The Black Keys, Wood worked on a variety of musical projects as a session musician and producer. He brought a wealth of experience to his role in the band, which allowed him to quickly adapt to their sound and contribute meaningfully during his time with them.
Richard Swift
Richard Swift joined The Black Keys as a bassist and backing vocalist in 2014. Swift was known for his soulful bass playing and harmonies, which added a unique dynamic to the band’s sound. His contributions were particularly valuable on the Turn Blue (2014) album, where his bass lines complemented the band’s shift toward a more psychedelic and atmospheric sound. Swift’s warm, melodic bass playing provided a grounding element to the band’s expansive sonic palette. Tragically, Swift passed away in 2018, but his contributions to The Black Keys during his time with the band have left a lasting impact on their sound.
Outside of The Black Keys, Swift was also known for his solo career, having released several critically acclaimed albums. He was a respected figure in the indie rock and soul scenes and had collaborated with artists such as The Shins and Phil and the Osophers. Swift’s legacy in music continues to resonate, especially through his work with The Black Keys.
Steve Marion
Steve Marion, also known for his work with Delicate Steve, briefly joined The Black Keys in 2019 as a touring guitarist. Marion’s guitar work added another layer of complexity to the band’s live shows, providing support for Auerbach’s lead guitar and helping flesh out the band’s live arrangements. Though his time with the band was short, his contributions were felt during the 2019 performances.
Marion’s musical career outside of The Black Keys has been marked by his unique solo work and his involvement in Delicate Steve, a project that blends instrumental rock with a variety of other genres, including funk and world music. His work with Delicate Steve has garnered attention for its creativity and innovative approach to guitar-driven music.
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