Jack White speaks on why he had to still Pay Tribute to Meg White on Her 50th Birthday
Jack White has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former White Stripes bandmate Meg White on her 50th birthday. Taking to Instagram, White shared a Polaroid of Meg with a touching message: “HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY to my big sister, the great Meg White. There’s only one of you Meggo, they broke the mold. You’re still inspiring people, including me. Love you so much. -Jack III.” The post reflects the deep bond between the two, who, despite their personal and professional ups and downs, remain an iconic musical duo.
The Beginning of a Musical Bond
Jack White and Meg White’s connection began long before their rise to fame. In the early ’90s, when Jack was still known as Jack Gillis, he met Meg while she worked at the Memphis Smoke, a restaurant in Detroit. Jack was performing poetry at open-mic nights, and the two became friends. Their friendship soon evolved into a romantic relationship. At the time, Jack was playing drums in local bands, including the cowpunk group Goober and the Peas, where he was hired as the drummer in 1994.
In 1996, Jack and Meg married, with Jack taking Meg’s surname and becoming Jack White. Their marriage marked a significant chapter in their personal lives,
The Formation of The White Stripes
The pivotal moment came in 1997 when, on Bastille Day, Meg began playing drums with Jack as a “lark.” Their musical chemistry was undeniable, and the duo quickly formed a band. They adopted the name *The White Stripes* and began crafting their minimalist, garage-rock sound. Their early shows were small, but their music was anything but. They established iconic motifs early on, such as their red, black, and white color scheme, their public pretense of being siblings (despite being married), and a fascination with the number three.
Their first show took place on August 14, 1997, at the Gold Dollar bar in Detroit. The band’s self-titled debut album followed in 1999, and it quickly put them on the map. *The White Stripes* album marked the beginning of their meteoric rise, and with subsequent albums like *De Stijl* (2000) and *White Blood Cells* (2001), they became the spearhead of the garage rock revival movement.
Commercial Success and Critical Acclaim
Their breakthrough came with *Elephant* in 2003, which hit No. 1 in the UK and went platinum in both the US and the UK. Tracks like the anthemic “Seven Nation Army” made them a global force. The White Stripes would go on to release *Get Behind Me Satan* (2005) and *Icky Thump* (2007), further cementing their legacy. But by 2011, after a decade of groundbreaking music, the band announced their split, citing the need to preserve the band’s special essence.
### Meg White’s Retirement and Jack’s Solo Career
Following the band’s breakup, Meg retired from the music industry, returning to Detroit and largely staying out of the public eye. Jack, meanwhile, pursued a successful solo career, releasing albums like *Blunderbuss* (2012) and *Lazaretto* (2014). While Jack continued to perform and record, Meg’s departure from the industry left many wondering about her future.
In a 2014 *Rolling Stone* interview, Jack reflected on the challenges of working with Meg, noting her quiet personality often created tension. Despite this, he praised her drumming, acknowledging how essential she was to the band’s sound and success. “I would often look at her onstage and say, ‘I can’t believe she’s up here,’” he said.
A Rare Reunion
Though Meg has kept a low profile, she and Jack have reunited for important causes. In 2016, they publicly criticized Donald Trump for using “Seven Nation Army” during his campaign without permission. The duo also filed a copyright lawsuit against Trump’s campaign in 2024 when the song was used again without consent. The suit was eventually dropped, but it marked another instance of their collaboration.
A Lasting Legacy
Jack White’s tribute to Meg on her 50th birthday serves as a reminder of the deep respect and admiration he has for his former bandmate. Despite her decision to retire from the music scene, Meg’s influence remains undeniable. She was an integral part of The White Stripes’ success, and her drumming helped define the band’s signature sound. Jack’s words underscore the lasting impact of their partnership and the profound inspiration Meg continues to provide to music lovers around the world.
Leave a Reply