Black Keys Cancel 'Let's Rock' Tour Due to COVID-19

In light of the spread of , the have joined the lengthy list of artists to cancel an upcoming tour.

“We are very disappointed to let you know the U.S. Let’s Rock Summer tour is no longer happening,” the band said in a statement. “We were looking forward to seeing you all out there, but the health and safety of our fans and crew has to take priority. We hope to see you all soon. Please stay safe!”

The tour was set to kick off July 7 in Seattle, Washington, and wrap on September 6 in Jacksonville, Florida. According to Live Nation, ticketholders will be contacted directly about refund options.

The Black Keys dropped their most recent album, ‘Let’s Rock’, in June of 2019; it was their first record in five years, since 2014’s Turn Blue.

“Four years ago, I definitely wouldn’t have been in a place where I wanted to make a record,” lead singer Dan Auerbach told Rolling Stone in 2019, following a period of solo releases. “But it was less about making the record and more about ‘We gotta make a record, then tour for two years.’ I’m glad that we took the time to settle our minds and get away from each other for a while. It was really helpful. It made it all better when we got back. . . . I’m excited to play some shows. I’m excited to play for the fans, and I’m excited to play some of the old songs again.”

Concerts and festivals worldwide have been postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus. Arkansas venue TempleLive hopes to host the first post-COVID-19 concert this coming Friday with Southern-rock singer Travis McCready. Social-distancing and other virus-prevention measures will be instituted to hopefully curb possible infection. Still, it’s not likely that widespread touring and live music will return until 2021.