Black Keys guitarist cuts solo album, tours

There have to be some underlying anxiety issues for every drummer out there who plays in a rock duo:

"What if my bandmate replaces me with a drum machine and cuts me out of the royalties? Is he still angry that I flubbed that fill in San Antonio? Maybe if I'm really nice to him for the rest of the tour..."

And so on. No wonder poor Meg White has such frazzled nerves (as always, we kid because we slavishly adore, Meg!).

Unfortunately, Black Keys drummer Patrick Carrney woke up on Monday to have his (presumed) worst nightmare confirmed: his guitar playing cohort Dan Auerbach is launching a solo career.

Billboard.com has all the details: Auerbach will release Keep It Hid, containing 14 tracks of "real dark tunes," and "psychedelic rumbas," on Feb. 10 via Nonesuch.

Based on those quotes above from Auerbach, expect this record to be a bit of a departure from the strict blues 'n' rock stylings that the Black Keys have perfected over the past few years. Auerbach receives some bloodline backup on the album, with his dad, Chuck, penning the track "Whispered Words" and uncle James Quine contributing vocals and guitar on "Street Walkin'."

Oh yes, and there's a solo tour as well, with Auerbach's buddies in Hacienda playing the dual role of backing band and opening act. Previously reported Black Keys dates are still in effect, too.

Auerbach solo:

February:
28 - Washington, D.C. @ 9:30 Club

March:
1 - Boston, Mass. @ Paradise
2 - Brooklyn, N.Y. @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
3 - New York, N.Y. @ Bowery Ballroom
5 - Cleveland, Ohio @ Beachland Ballroom
6 - Chicago, Ill. @ Metro
7 - Minneapolis, Minn. @ First Avenue
10 - Seattle, Wash. @ Showbox
11 - Portland, Ore. @ Wonder Ballroom
13 - San Francisco, Calif. @ Bimbo's
14 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ El Rey Theatre

Related links:
Review: The Black Keys - Attack and Release
MySpace: The Black Keys
YouTube: The Black Keys on Letterman

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