Black Keys drummer says ‘We got f—ed’ following news of tour downgrade, management split

The drummer for rockers The Black Keys hinted Monday that an explanation for the band’s recent troubles is coming.

In a post on X, Patrick Carney gave a short message to fans: “We got f***ed. I’ll let you all know how so it doesn’t happen to you. Stay tuned.”

The note follows a round of headlines for the Ohio-born duo that have signaled turmoil.

Late last month, the band announced it was canceling its planned tour of arenas in favor of more intimate venues — though dates for the new shows have yet to be announced.

Then last week, the band said it had split with a management team led by entertainment executive Irving Azoff. The news, first reported by the New York Times, was confirmed by Azoff to Variety, who called it an “amicable parting.” The Black Keys had been with Azoff and another manager, Steve Moir, in 2021.

Representatives for Azoff and Moir did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Azoff is best known as the manger of the Eagles and the former CEO of Ticketmaster and former chairman of its parent company, Live Nation. Another Azoff-connected group has been directly implicated in the U.S. Justice Department’s anti-monopoly suit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation. In their complaint, federal prosecutors named Oak View Group, a live entertainment advisory service, as having a relationship with Live Nation that unduly influenced the market.

Azoff cofounded Oak View, though is no longer listed as an executive there. He is not directly named in the Justice Department’s suit.

In addition to the Eagles, Azoff has also managed legendary artists like Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Journey and Bon Jovi. Over the years, he earned a reputation for the bare-knuckle tactics in negotiating on behalf of the groups and artists he represents. The L.A. Times has reported that Steely Dan cofounder Walter Becker said they’d hired Azoff because he “impressed us with his taste for the jugular … and his bizarre spirit.”

And at their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Eagles cofounder Don Henley said, “As I’ve said before, he may be Satan — but he’s our Satan.”