Meg White, formerly of The White Stripes, played a direct role in shaping her ex-husband Jack White's acceptance speech for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Jack White revealed this detail during the ceremony held last weekend at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater, where he accepted the honor on behalf of the duo.
Her involvement offers a rare glimpse into Meg White's continued connection to the band's legacy, despite her absence from the public eye since The White Stripes disbanded in 2011.
Key Takeaways
- Meg White helped edit Jack White's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction speech.
- She provided corrections for punctuation and other edits.
- Jack White accepted the award for The White Stripes alone, as Meg White remains out of the spotlight.
- His speech included a never-before-heard story about the band's early days.
- Olivia Rodrigo, Feist, and Twenty One Pilots performed tributes to the band.
Meg White's Behind-the-Scenes Contribution
During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Jack White shared that he had recently spoken with Meg. He conveyed her gratitude for the induction and her appreciation for all the supporters over the years. Crucially, he also disclosed her assistance with his speech preparation.
"I spoke with Meg White the other day, and she said that she’s very sorry she couldn’t make it here tonight, but she wanted me to tell you that she’s very grateful. And to all of the folks who supported her in all the years, it really means a lot to her. She also helped me write all this… I sent these things to her. She checked it for me for a lot of punctuation and corrections. She’s pretty good at that."
This revelation highlights Meg White's continued, albeit private, engagement with the band's history. Her attention to detail, specifically with punctuation and corrections, underscores a quiet precision.
Fast Fact
The White Stripes officially broke up in 2011 after a highly successful career spanning over a decade, known for their distinctive red, white, and black aesthetic and raw blues-rock sound.
A Personal Tribute and Untold Story
Later in his speech, Jack White dedicated a significant portion to thanking Meg for their shared journey, both as bandmates and as former romantic partners. He then read a story he had intended to send to Meg but had not yet shared. This narrative served as a poignant moment, with Meg White hearing it for the first time along with the audience.
The story painted a vivid picture of the band's origins, describing a boy and a girl building a parade float in a garage in Detroit's Motor City. It spoke of their early ambitions and the mixed reactions they received as they paraded their creation through the Cass Corridor.
Some people cheered, others laughed, and some even threw stones. Despite the varied responses, the duo found joy and a sense of freedom in their creative expression. This narrative underscored the raw, independent spirit that defined The White Stripes.
Band Background
The White Stripes, formed in Detroit in 1997, consisted of Jack White (vocals, guitar) and Meg White (drums). They gained widespread critical acclaim and commercial success with albums like 'White Blood Cells' and 'Elephant', becoming one of the most influential bands of the early 2000s.
Induction Ceremony Highlights
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony honored a diverse group of artists. Along with The White Stripes, inductees included OutKast, Soundgarden, Cyndi Lauper, Chubby Checker, Bad Company, and Joe Cocker. The event celebrated significant contributions to music across various genres.
Musical tributes to The White Stripes were a major part of the evening. Olivia Rodrigo and Feist performed an acoustic duet of 'We're Going To Be Friends' from the 2001 album 'White Blood Cells'. This song holds particular significance as it was The White Stripes' final live performance on 'Late Night With Conan O'Brien' in 2009.
Twenty One Pilots' Energetic Cover
Twenty One Pilots delivered an energetic rendition of 'Seven Nation Army', a track that Olivia Rodrigo previously called the "most iconic song of all time." Tyler Joseph, the band's bassist and singer, and drummer Josh Dun performed while wearing fringed face masks. They transitioned seamlessly to keys midway through the song, earning a standing ovation from Flea, the bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
- Olivia Rodrigo and Feist performed 'We're Going To Be Friends'.
- Twenty One Pilots covered 'Seven Nation Army'.
- Other inductees included OutKast and Soundgarden.
The White Stripes' Enduring Influence
The induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame solidifies The White Stripes' place in music history. Their minimalist yet powerful sound, distinctive visual style, and raw energy left a lasting impact on alternative rock and beyond. Meg White's rhythmic drumming provided the backbone for Jack White's guitar riffs and distinctive vocals, creating a unique and influential sonic landscape.
Even years after their disbandment, the band's music continues to resonate with new generations of fans and musicians. Their induction celebrated not just their past achievements but also their ongoing cultural significance.
The ceremony underscored how even without a public presence, Meg White remains integral to the legacy of The White Stripes. Her quiet input on Jack's speech speaks volumes about their enduring connection to the band's story and impact.