The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach Explains How His Dad’s March Death Inspired Band’s New Album “Peaches!”

The Black Keys have unveiled their 14th studio album, titled ‘Peaches!’, which was released on May 1. The album takes on a deeply personal meaning for lead vocalist and guitarist Dan Auerbach, who opened up about how the passing of his father influenced the recording.

In a recent episode of the Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast, Auerbach shared how the loss of his father, Chuck Auerbach, who succumbed to cancer on March 29, permeated the creative process for the album. Just a month after his father’s death, the band launched ‘Peaches!’, marking a poignant moment in Auerbach’s life and career.

Reflecting on the emotional weight of the music, Auerbach explained that certain tracks on the album are particularly challenging for him to engage with. One such track is the band’s cover of “It’s a Dream,” originally written by Charles Fisher Jr. “I feel like he would have loved that song. It was right up his alley,” Auerbach expressed. He added, “This whole life has been a bit of a dream, and he helped put me here.”

The musician described his father as a profound influence in his life, stating, “He gave me so much. It was like one last gift.” Auerbach feels that his father’s spirit is embedded in both the music and the environment he has created in his Easy Eye Sound studios, where ‘Peaches!’ was recorded. He explained, “Everything about what I do is related to my dad, musically and aesthetically. He was an antique dealer, a picker. I knew how to pack a van for tour because I would pack the van for my dad’s antique shows.”

Auerbach recalled fondly how his father would often crank up the volume while listening to music, particularly songs from the Allman Brothers’ hit “Ramblin’ Man.” “My dad listened to music louder than anybody,” he remembered with a hint of nostalgia. This familial bond with music paved the way for Auerbach’s own exploration of sound and style.

The conversation also delved into the lasting impact of blues music, particularly how artists such as Gregg Allman influenced The Black Keys. Auerbach noted that the connection between his father and legendary blues musicians like Robert Johnson, Son House, and Howlin’ Wolf was significant even before he embarked on his own musical journey. “I could feel the connection between those two worlds even before I knew really anything about music or had even tried to play,” he remarked.

As the lead member of The Black Keys, Auerbach’s personal history intertwines with the music he creates, making ‘Peaches!’ not only a professional milestone but also an intimate reflection of his life experiences. The album emerges as both a tribute to his father and a testament to the enduring power of music as a means of processing grief and honouring loved ones.

In a landscape of modern rock, Auerbach uses his art to navigate the complexities of emotions, drawing from his past to shape the future of his sound. Fans of The Black Keys can expect a collection of songs that resonate with both heartache and joy, showcasing the resilient spirit that comes from a deep personal loss.

As the world listens to ‘Peaches!’, Auerbach’s heartfelt connection to his father and the legacy of their shared musical journey is sure to resonate, creating an album that not only showcases talent but also encapsulates a deeply human experience.