When Camel gave out free smokes at The Black Keys

"It seems like a completely different planet... back when we were free and unhealthy." In this highlight from The Sonic Road, host Beau shares a story with author Becky Franzel (The Encore: A Memoir) about catching The Black Keys at the legendary Cleveland Agora. It was one of the band's biggest shows as they were just starting to explode, and the night had a sponsor you definitely won’t see on a concert poster in 2026: Camel Cigarettes. Beau recalls the sheer volume of free packs being handed out at the door (to anyone of age) and the hazy atmosphere of a packed rock club before indoor smoking bans changed the game. Becky and Beau laugh about the "wild west" era of corporate tour sponsorships and how weird it would be if bands tried to ship a pack of smokes with their vinyl records today. Follow The Sonic Road Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & X: @thesonicroad Subscribe on Youtube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/thesonicroad