Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for Governors Ball Music FestivalThe Black Keys haven't played a show since August 2015, and drummer Patrick Carney is enjoying his time off from the band.
"I love making music with Dan [Auerbach] and I'm excited for when we do that next, and we will do it," Carney tells Rolling Stone. "But both of us have PTSD from being on the road constantly."
Carney adds that this upcoming summer will be "my first summer not working since I was in 7th grade."
"I wake up every day and I'm like, 'I can't believe the s*** Dan and I accomplished.'" he explains. "But every day, it feels further and further away, even though it's only been a year and a half. I was talking to [Arcade Fire's] Win Butler and some other musicians, and I was, 'What the f***, we haven't played a show in a year and a half!' and they're like, 'Dude, every time we put a record out we take a year and a half off. You need to chill out.'"
Carney has been taking it easy during his break from the Keys, though he did help produce the new album by his girlfriend Michelle Branch. It's called Hopeless Romantic, and will be out April 7. Meanwhile, Carney's bandmate Auerbach has kept himself very busy, launching his side-project The Arcs and recording a new solo album.
"He's a different type of person than I am. He has a harder time appreciating the things he's earned," Carney says of Auerbach. "Do you know what people say on their death bed? They f****** regret working too much, and Dan and I have worked our a**** off. I'd like to see him take a break. The reason why [the Black Keys] are taking a break is for him to take a break."
Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.