October 17, 2026
The Black Keys Bring the Blues-Rock Swagger to Ottawa on the Peaches ’n Kream World Tour
Ottawa got a healthy dose of gritty blues-rock and vintage rock ’n’ roll on Saturday night as The Black Keys rolled into Canadian Tire Centre for their Peaches ’n Kream World Tour. With a massive red curtain adorned with marquee lights spelling out the band’s name, the stage looked like something pulled straight from a classic rock theatre, setting the mood for an evening built around fuzzy guitar riffs, infectious grooves and plenty of attitude.
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Jeremie Albino
Opening the night was Canadian singer-songwriter Jeremie Albino, whose soulful blend of blues, roots rock and Americana proved to be a perfect fit for the evening. The Toronto-based musician has steadily built a reputation for his raw, energetic performances and gravelly, expressive vocals, drawing from the traditions of classic rhythm and blues while bringing his own contemporary edge.
Albino delivered a wonderful performance that clearly resonated with the Ottawa crowd. His passionate vocals and musicianship made an impression, earning him a well-deserved standing ovation. It was the kind of reception that suggested many in attendance would be keeping his name on their radar long after the opening set.
The Black Keys
When The Black Keys took the stage, the Ohio-born duo wasted little time getting down to business. Founding members Dan Auerbach (vocals and guitar) and Patrick Carney (drums) launched into ‘Heavy Soul’, followed by ‘Fever’ and ‘Gold on the Ceiling’, immediately establishing the gritty, groove-heavy atmosphere that has defined their sound for more than two decades.
Although the Black Keys began as a stripped-down duo, their touring performances expand that sound with additional musicians, giving the blues-rock foundation a fuller, more powerful presence. Still, the chemistry between Auerbach and Carney remained the main attraction. Auerbach made the evening a showcase for his guitar work, delivering extended solos and expressive riffs that shifted effortlessly between dirty blues and psychedelic rock. Meanwhile, Carney kept everything locked into place, his steady, muscular drumming providing the backbone for the band’s swaggering rhythms.
The setlist offered a satisfying balance of fan favourites and deep cuts, with ‘Howlin’ for You’, ‘Tighten Up’, ‘Wild Child’ and ‘Weight of Love’ demonstrating the band’s ability to move between punchy garage rock and more expansive, hypnotic arrangements. ‘Have Love Will Travel’, originally recorded by Richard Berry & The Pharaohs, brought a classic rock ’n’ roll flavour to the set, while Willie Griffin’s ‘Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire’ offered another nod to the blues and soul traditions that have long influenced the duo.
The Stooges’ ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’ added a welcome dose of raw, rebellious energy, reminding everyone that the Black Keys’ influences extend well beyond traditional blues. Rather than simply recreating their studio recordings, the band gave these songs room to breathe, letting the guitars snarl and the rhythm section do its work.
One of the night’s most memorable visual moments arrived during ‘Everlasting Light’, when a giant disco ball transformed the arena into a shimmering sea of reflections. Against the dramatic red curtain and glowing marquee lights, the effect was both theatrical and fitting for a band whose music frequently blends vintage soul with modern rock.
For the encore, the band returned with ‘Little Black Submarines’ building from its restrained opening into a thunderous guitar-driven climax, before closing with the ever-popular ‘Lonely Boy’. The latter provided an energetic send-off, leaving the crowd with one of the duo’s most recognizable songs ringing in their ears.
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The Black Keys’ Ottawa stop was a reminder that great rock music doesn’t require elaborate gimmicks or an overwhelming production. With Auerbach’s guitar prowess, Carney’s rock-solid rhythm and a catalogue rooted in blues, soul and garage rock, the Peaches ’n’ Kream World Tour delivered a night of musicianship, atmosphere and timeless rock ’n’ roll attitude.
