Jack White Continues the Tradition of Spontaneous Setlists on His No Name Tour

 

For Jack White, the thrill of live performance has always been about energy, spontaneity, and the uncharted excitement of creating something in the moment. This approach to live music was a hallmark of The White Stripes, where the duo famously performed without a setlist, choosing to let the flow of the crowd and the vibe of the night dictate the set.

Now, as a solo artist with a full band, White continues to bring this spirit to his performances, reminding fans that, even with a larger lineup, his approach to live shows remains delightfully unpredictable.

On April 3, White performed at the Factory in St. Louis, Missouri, as part of his ongoing *No Name Tour*. As has become customary, the setlist for the show wasn’t carefully curated ahead of time, and in fact, it wasn’t even written down. In an Instagram post shared by White, a backstage photo revealed the venue’s wall where bands are typically invited to post their setlists after the show. However, White’s contribution was a simple,

unmarked blank sheet of paper—symbolizing his ongoing commitment to keeping his live performances raw and free from the constraints of a predetermined plan.

This approach to setlists, or rather the absence of them, has been a signature of White’s live performances for years. It began during his time with The White Stripes and has carried over into his solo work. The decision to forgo a formal setlist allows for a more fluid, high-energy experience, where each show is a unique expression of the moment. While fans never quite know what to expect, there are common themes and songs that tend to appear during each concert, albeit in different orders.

For example, it’s become something of a tradition to open most of his shows on the *No Name Tour* with “Old Scratch Blues,” followed by “That’s How I’m Feeling.” Another staple is “It’s Rough on Rats (If You’re Asking),” which often makes its way into the early part of the set. However, even these seemingly predictable elements are subject to change.

One of White’s most iconic hits, “Seven Nation Army,” frequently closes his shows, though, as demonstrated in St. Louis, that can sometimes be flipped around. On that particular night, the crowd was treated to the electrifying anthem second-to-last, proving that Jack White’s concerts are all about keeping fans on their toes.

While some fans may enjoy the comfort of knowing exactly what to expect at a live show, White’s lack of a setlist adds a layer of excitement and anticipation, not just for the audience, but for the band as well. Every night is a new adventure, a chance to engage with the crowd and react to the energy in the room. For White, this sense of spontaneity and unpredictability is essential to maintaining the raw, high-octane energy that his shows are known for.

In an age where many musicians rely on meticulously planned setlists, Jack White remains a steadfast advocate for keeping the spirit of live performance alive and unpredictable. Whether he’s playing with a full band or solo, his philosophy is clear: the music should come first, and the experience should always be one that evolves with the moment. So, if you’re lucky enough to catch a show on the *No Name Tour*, don’t expect to know the setlist beforehand—just prepare to be part of a one-of-a-kind experience that unfolds right before your eyes.