These days, it’s not too hard being the Black Keys. The Ohio-bred duo of singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney earned its first No. 1 album this week, as new LP “Turn Blue” beat out Michael Jackson’s posthumous album “Xscape” by about 7,000 units. They’ve got Grammys and platinum records, but they’ve never lost their snarky, smart-alecky roots. The Black Keys have beefed and sparred with far more tormentors than your average rock band. As history tells us, their fights tend to conveniently coincide with new album cycles. And their targets are often hefty ones — major corporations, Michael Jackson, and an artist who wishes he was Michael Jackson.
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Here are the Black Keys’ six most legendary, internet-famous beefs:
1. The Keys vs. Justin Bieber
TMZ shoved a mic in Carney’s face following the 2013 Grammys and opened up a big, stinkin’ rockist vs. poptimist can of worms. When a journalist asked if Justin Bieber should feel burned for not being nominated or invited to perform, Carney responded, “He’s rich, right? Grammys are for, like, music, not for money … and he’s making a lot of money. He should be happy, I guess.”
More on the Black Keys:
- probably get along.
5. The Keys vs. The Home Depot & Pizza Hut
The Black Keys aren’t entirely opposed to cashing some synch checks, as their tunes have soundtracked ads for Victoria’s Secret, Zales, American Express, Subaru and others. But when companies try to use their songs without permission, you better believe Auerbach and Carney will fight back. Back in 2012, they reached settlements with Home Depot and Pizza Hut for misappropriating “Lonely Boy” and “Gold on the Ceiling,” respectively. Take a listen to the Pizza Hut ad below and decide for yourself:6. The Black Keys vs. Insane Clown Posse
The Keys threw some shade at Insane Clown Posse in a 2008 interview with Pitchfork. Upon being told that ICP had sold over six million records, Carney quipped, “There are at least six million retarded people roaming the streets with credit cards.” Auerbach added, “With at least $12.99.”Coming next: Top 10 photos of Patrick Carney pouting? (see main image)