My White Stripes love affair - c.2002 to present.
Last night I heard the piece of news I have been dreading for years. The news that your most favourite band of all time, in the world ever, the band that mean everything to you - have split up. Before I continue, I am fully aware The White Stripes have their fair share of haters, but this post isn’t about me gabbering on about how amazing they were, it’s about what they meant to me, not you or anyone else. Regardless of whether you liked them or not, you can appreciate how a particular band or artist can have such an influence on you.
But yes. Last night, I was sat in Frankie and Bennies restaurant and I checked Facebook on my phone. My friend Rob Jones, who is later mentioned in this blog, had posted a link to my wall with the heading ‘White Stripes confirm split’. I felt the tears well up. Needless to say, it sorta ruined my night. But anyway, I got home later on and made the mistake of watching WS videos on You Tube. And then I sat in my room, and had a little cry. Gutted just wasn’t the word.
I know hardly anyone will read this, but I want to do this blog for reflective purposes. Essentially, although it sounds dramatic, I am mourning the loss. I am aware the music will always still be there, but the anticipation of new shows or music is not. This band has had such an impact on my musical choices and on my youth, it’s sad they’ve come to an end. Upon discovering The White Stripes, I discovered music. I hadn’t really cared for it much beforehand. But, I’d found something I loved.
I bought all of their records, they were up to Elephant at this point. I then bought as many singles, old and new so I could get my hands on the b-sides. I bought bootleg and knock off nigel CD’s off eBay and from record fairs to get live tracks and unreleased material. I bought rare vinyl. If The White Stripes had released or recorded it, I can guarantee you I’ve got it. But as with any band, owning and knowing their music is just part of the experience. The next is seeing them live.
My first White Stripes gig was in Nottingham on Janurary 23rd, 2004. I was 15. I swear to God, that split second when Jack White walked on stage, was unbelieveable. I was at the front at first, and they opened with Lets Shake Hands, their first ever release, a song only true fans will know. I’d like to add at this point, it is through this song I met my dear friend Rob Jones, who, at the tender age of 12, was sat at Nuneaton town centre fountain with his acoustic guitar, and he started playing this song. I knew from that moment he was ace and The White Stripes made us become friends. We even jammed to them once, forming The Top Specials.
I then travelled all the way to Blackpool for my second White Stripes gig, this time on my Mum’s birthday, November 10th 2005. I went with my cousin Lomax, and we got split up pretty much as soon as the gig started. I watched them on my own, and I can honestly say, the gig was pure perfection. I had tears in my eyes when it finished, it was wonderful. That’s one thing that makes me so sad now, that I’ll never experience it again.
Third time I saw them live, and unbeknown to me the last, was in 2007, June 14th in Hyde Park. I went with Mike, who needed some persuading when it came to The White Stripes. I just remember, after the gig, he just turned to me and said ‘That was incredible’.
I’d also like to add at this point, I met Jack White the previous year but he was with The Raconteurs. There wasn’t a person in my phone book who didn’t get a text off me that night.
I had got tickets to see them in October of the following year, but then that’s where things got troubled. The tour was cancelled due to Meg’s health, and in the back of my mind, I knew that would have been their last tour.
There’s so much more I can say on this band, I could blab on for ages, but the truth is, I am well and truly sad that they have decided to split. Me, ever being the optimist, was hoping on a festival return this year, I’d got my mind set on a grand return. But that’s it, no more.
I’ve previously mentioned I’ve been upset over this, and I leave with the statement which tipped me over the edge:
‘The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to.’
And it sure as hell will last forever with me.
