The Black Keys rocked the stage under the blazing hot sun at the Astro Amphitheater in La Vista, Nebraska, on Monday, July 20, 2026. [Photo by Dean Birkheimer]
DEAN BIRKHEIMER | Go Venue Magazine
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to attend a rock concert inside an air fryer, and you were at The Astro Amphitheater on Monday July 20th, 2026, then you know exactly what it would feel like.
It was 100 degrees in La Vista. Not “feels like” 100. Honest to goodness, melt your sneakers, make you question your life choices, 100 degrees.
Thankfully, Brooks Madon, a.k.a. Eddie 9V (pronounced Eddie 9 Volt) hit the stage looking completely unbothered by the sun, proving that either he possesses superhuman powers or he’s legally classified as a reptile. Granted the temp did drop to a chilly 94 degrees. His blend of Southern soul, blues, funk, and swagger immediately won over the crowd. His guitar work was effortless, his band made up of Lane Kelly, Chad Mason, and David Green were impossibly tight, and their sound had enough grit to make a Nebraska dirt road envious. Every song seemed to shout “LET’S BOOGIE”, but the weather emphatically screamed back, “LET’S SEE WHO PASSES OUT FIRST.” By the end of his set, everyone was drenched in sweat, brought on, not only by the blistering temps, but by the dancing his music encouraged. Eddie 9V’s album Saratoga is available now, but keep an eye/ear open for the November release of Down Here. There are lyrics on that album that read like this: “It won’t be long now, til I’m blowin’ up”. Man, you got that right!!
Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney of The Black Keys walked onstage with the confidence of men who have apparently signed a peace treaty with the sun. The temperature plummeted to 91as they ripped into hit after hit with a bravado that’s made them one of rock’s most dependable live acts. Their blues-drenched riffs sounded massive under the open sky, even if that sky seemed personally offended by everyone’s existence. The crowd sang every word, proving that dehydration can’t stop people from yelling the chorus to “Lonely Boy.” In fact, judging by the sweat pouring off everyone, the audience probably lost ten pounds collectively before the encore. To The Black Keys‘ credit, they never let the weather slow them down. Auerbach’s guitar cut through the sizzling air while Patrick Carney pounded the drums with the determination of a man trying to summon rain through sheer force. Classics like “Gold on the Ceiling,” and “Howlin’ for You,” sounded as raw and gritty as ever. New songs off their latest LP Peaches were amazing and a joy to hear. That new album can be found here, Peaches. By the encore, everyone looked like they had been slow-roasted. The Black Keys finished strong, and somehow the audience found enough energy to sing every word, proving that rock ‘n’ roll can survive anything.
The Astro Amphitheater delivered great sound and an electric atmosphere, but Mother Nature insisted on being the night’s loudest opening act. The sun refused to leave the stage, roasting concertgoers from every conceivable angle. Yet somehow, nobody seemed to care. There’s something wonderfully ridiculous about thousands of people in shorts and skirts willingly standing in triple-digit heat because great live music is worth a little suffering. Or a lot of suffering. By night’s end, Eddie 9V had earned plenty of new fans, The Black Keys reminded everyone why they remain one of the best rock bands on the road. This is a show I would definitely attend again, I would ask for just one thing though…I’d like to request that the opening act be a cloud.
EDDIE 9V SET LIST
Down Here – Halo – Yella Alligator – Can I Sleep in Your Backyard – Blowing Up – Dog Me Around – 3AM in Chicago – Whole Lot Coming For You
BLACK KEYS SET LIST
Next Girl – Just Couldn’t Tie Me Down – Fever – You Got to Lose – Have Love Will Travel – Lo/Hi – Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire – Weight of Love – I Got Mine – Howlin’ for You – Gold on the Ceiling – Wild Child – Everlasting Light – Tighten Up – She Does it Right – She’s Long Gone – Little Black Submarine – Lonely Boy
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