To say I loved The White Stripes would be an understatement. I have travelled several thousand kilometers to see them play, followed them for three days on their 2007 tour and they have dominated my last.fm charts since I joined.
Jack White was my inspiration on guitar. The music of The White Stripes is simple, but how he executed it is what made him unlike any other. He would play a plastic guitar, run it through a Sears brand amp and use every defect and imperfection to make something beautiful.
They were my favorite live act, where on any night the audience could get something new. Nothing was prepared. Nothing was written down. It all happened based on the mood and crowd interactions. Their free flying, anything was possible attitude made them stand out amongst other successful commercial acts. Over the years the music industry would change how they were perceived but they remained true to giving it their all, never making it easy on themselves and always being creative.
Perhaps that is why it makes it so hard to come to terms of their break up. They could have carried on making records and going through the motions, instead they took the road less travelled and ended the journey before it ruined what they had.
It is for a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve What is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way.
I often think back to the road trips with friends in 2005 and 2007, or how Astro will always raise my spirits, regardless of how tired or what mood I am in. The memories I have associated with The White Stripes really will last a life time and I’m grateful for what I have, and with anything good, I just wanted a little more.
I will remember The White Stripes for a lot of antics with the media, a self perpetuated mystery, and interesting music videos. When all that is taken away it is easy to forget how much emotion a simple song can carry and I think the performance of White Moon in the last scene from the 2009 documentary (The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights) is a fitting scene to have your career fade to black on.
Farewell Jack and Meg and thank you for allowing us to join you on this trip.
“I just don’t know what to do with my self”
I got Sirius for X-mas, and yesterday Alt.Nation played their entire 2005 Detroit show to bid them adieu.
That is a fantastic send off and perfect timing to have used your Christmas gift.
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I listened to nothing but The White Stripes and going from their studio stuff to a live recording is a different beast. I think the raw energy and dynamic combination of Jack and Meg is what I will miss the most.