The Black Keys Performed Crypto Gig Because They Needed Money

Indie rock duo The Black Keys played a gig called “America Loves Crypto” in 2024—despite the band not appearing publicly supportive of cryptocurrency or NFTs. Patrick Carney told Rolling Stone that this only happened because they were tight for money.

The event was one of a series of free events held in swing states in the run up to the U.S. presidential election, hosted by crypto advocacy group Stand With Crypto. While music played by artists like The Chainsmokers, Big Sean, and Black Pumas helped pull in crowds, the real goal of the events was to influence the outcome of the 2024 election in order to see more pro-crypto candidates voted into office.

The Black Keys performing at the gig was particularly surprising at the time, as they didn’t appear to be publicly pro-crypto—poking fun at NFTs while promoting their latest album. So, why did they play the gig?

“It was very simple,” Patrick Carney told Rolling Stone. “We had lost all of our income for the year. We had retainers for people that we were working with. We got offered a lot of money to play a show, and we saw that the Black Pumas had done the same event and we were like, ‘Book it.’ It’s that simple, bro.”

When pressed if they consider themselves crypto enthusiasts, Carney jokingly responded that they’re fans of cooking brand Crisco.

Initially launched by Coinbase, Stand With Crypto released a slate of political endorsements as the 2024 election loomed. The organization announced support of 39 House and Senate candidates, in a 20 to 19 split between Republicans and Democrats. However, some The Black Keys fans weren’t thrilled with which candidates were endorsed by Stand With Crypto—one Redditor saying the organization endorsed the “worst candidates from both parties.”

“Of course we saw all the shit coming in,” Carney said. “We were told it was a bipartisan thing. It was what it is. It was very small. It was in our hometown, so we got to go home and see our folks. I’ve definitely seen my name in bad light in the press before, so it wasn’t anything fucking new.”

If us playing a concert for 300 people is going to sway the whole state’s vote,” he finished, “then we have bigger fucking problems, bro.”

Edited by Stacy Elliott.