By Lucy Craig
Illuminated by the glow of the afternoon sun, Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl was abuzz with anticipation for an exciting one-night headliner in the city from The Black Keys, as part of the yearly Sounds of the City series.
Castlefield Bowl’s summer series delivers the rare treat of intimate gigs with musical giants, and Wednesday night’s bill was immaculate, with 8,000 turning up to see Alex Spencer, Miles Kane, and of course, The Black Keys.
If you don’t already know… The Black Keys are an indie rock duo from Ohio, who have been redefining the scene for 25 years. With Dan Auerbach responsible for vocals and generationally adored guitar riffs, and Patrick Carney as a legend on the drums, the band continues to push boundaries sonically and in their showmanship.
The night’s first act was Manchester-born Alex Spencer – a heart-warming homecoming show, and his Castlefield Bowl debut; all at the ripe age of eighteen. Alex has solidified his reputation as ‘one to watch’ in the Manchester music scene and beyond. Playing what he calls a ‘dream venue’, Spencer’s catchy and bright indie melodies perfectly accompanied the waning summer’s day.
Then it was time for Miles Kane, of The Last Shadow Puppets, who was greeted by an abruptly brimming Castlefield Bowl, as he swaggered out onto the stage that was decked out in leopard print instruments and speakers. The Sounds of the City summer series truly lives up to its reputation with this incredible line-up, and as the venue had reached capacity long before the headliners had even appeared, it was certain.
Kane showered his unwavering, charismatic energy on his ecstatic, screaming Manchester fans. The bass rumbled out from hits such as Come Closer and Inhaler, and the setlist even treated eager listeners to his new guitar-heavy track, Love Is Cruel, from his upcoming album, making it impossible for the thousands not to dance along.
With the crowd teeming in anticipation and the sun starting to set, a translucent, technicoloured drumkit was placed on the stage. The moment had finally come.
The Ohio duo walked out as a united front, with just the two of them taking the stage in tribute to their early years as bandmates, with a medley of Thickfreakness, The Breaks, and I’ll Be Your Man. The rest of the band and percussion glided onto the stage and were bathed in golden light. The intro riff to Gold on the Ceiling sent out an electric wave, getting the whole venue onto their feet.
Excitement rippled through all 8,000 in the space, in light of the upcoming week of music in Manchester. Auerbach embraces the moment as he rocks an Oasis football shirt, personalised with his name on the back. The Black Keys’ return to Manchester felt utterly natural and was encompassed by a welcome from fans that seemed to dissolve the band’s year of struggle with tour cancellations and departing from management.
The Black Keys continue to navigate the stage with ease across a beloved discography spanning over two decades. The thousands clapping along to Lo/Hi could be felt reverberating across the Bowl, whilst the irresistible hook of Howlin’ for You compelled a fun singalong from the crowd. The newly released title track of their upcoming album, No Rain, No Flowers, is met with a crowd who can already sing along to it perfectly.
It is obvious that the band intend an explosive return to their relationship with the music industry and have fire in their bellies: ‘That felt good Manchester. Do you feel good?!’
Onlookers from balconies of nearby apartments and on trains passing over Castlefield craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the electricity bubbling up from the Bowl. Both the long-term and the more casual fans were all connected by how perfect the evening felt to be able to dance and shout along, be outside with friends, and listen to era-defining songs live, as tracks like I Got Mine growled into the open night sky.
Auerbach and Carney’s chemistry onstage proves how the band has stood the test of time. Auerbach showered the audience, the incredible supports, and Carney, with gratitude, shouting out his musical partner and legendary drummer at least five times throughout the set.
Jovial shouts of ‘they’ll be back’ between friends correctly anticipated an encore, as Auerbach retook the stage, lit simultaneously by a spotlight and 8,000 phone torches as he led the Manchester crowd through an emotional acoustic intro to Little Black Submarines.
The crowd and the full band then launched into the twilight with an eruption of dancing, singing and getting on shoulders to the beloved track by old and new fans alike, Lonely Boy.
This unforgettable performance confirmed why The Black Keys are one of the greats.
Their new musical era, with their 13th studio album out on the 7th of August, promises to be yet another momentous step in their musical voyage.
Unless otherwise stated, Photography & Text Copyright 2025 © Lucy Craig/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Jack Walsh 
Richard Hedley