Note: The Black Keys officially rocked the field at Firefly Distillery on Thursday, July 30, but the electric blues-rock energy from that night is still reverberating across North Charleston!

There is something special about raw, fuzz-drenched garage rock ringing out across the 5-acre field at Firefly Distillery. Framed by live oaks, marsh breezes, and a Lowcountry summer night, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney brought The Black Keys to North Charleston for a night of pure, unadulterated rock ’n’ roll.

Pre-Show Tailgating & Lowcountry Vibes

One of the biggest perks of Firefly’s location in Park Circle is the proximity to local hotspots. Concertgoer Jane Stevens noted that hitting a nearby brewery is the move for a smooth night out:

"We went to Holy City Brewing before the concert and were able to walk right over to the venue. There were lots of food trucks and drink options inside. Nothing negative to say except for the heat and bugs—but that’s just what you get at an outdoor venue in the summer, and I love Firefly."
Jane Stevens

As twilight settled over Spruill Avenue, the crowd gathered with Firefly cocktails in hand, packing out the lawn from the front rail all the way back to the food vendors.

High Energy Under the Stars

When Auerbach and Carney walked out—accompanied by their full touring band—they didn't waste time on theatrical intros. Auerbach struck the opening riff, Carney slammed into the beat, and the duo launched straight into a gritty, high-octane set that proved why they remain one of the premier live rock acts of their generation.

The energy on the field was infectious from the start. As Jane put it:

"The Black Keys were fantastic! Unfortunately, being short I was unable to see them stage-front, but the music was great and the crowd was awesome—zero issues. I was amazed that they are so popular here being that they are from Akron, Ohio!"
Jane Stevens

Setlist Highlights

Auerbach’s fuzz-soaked guitar tone echoed clear across the marsh, perfectly anchored by Carney’s heavy-handed, driving percussion. The setlist struck a crowd-pleasing balance across their entire catalog:

• The Anthems: Early hits like "Howlin' for You" and "Tighten Up" had the entire field singing along, with thousands of hands in the air against the night sky.
• The Groove: Tracks like "Wild Child" and "Gold on the Ceiling" showcased the band’s signature swagger, mixing vintage soul-rock hooks with modern festival power.
• The Climax: The standout moment came during the encore with "Little Black Submarines"—starting as an intimate, acoustic singalong before exploding into a wall of thunderous guitar distortion, followed by a chaotic, celebratory finale with "Lonely Boy."

The Verdict

Despite the sticky Lowcountry humidity, The Black Keys delivered a relentless masterclass in blues-rock revival. No gimmicks, no fluff—just raw distortion, infectious hooks, and two decades of hits played loudly in the summer heat.

• Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars 🎸
• Venue: Firefly Distillery (North Charleston, SC)

Show review by Sandy Meier and Jane Stevens.