Jack White of The White Stripes is known for many things. He was one half of the powerhouse duo for years, and has since gone on to make a name for himself as a key figure in garage rock revival. However, Jack White is also known for all the times he beefed with other musicians. And one time, that beef escalated into a physical fight. Without further ado, let’s look at four musicians and bands that Jack White famously took issue with!
Videos by American Songwriter
1. Lady Gaga
Jack White made a comment about Lady Gaga back in 2012 while trying to make a point about musicians changing their whole vibe to get famous. “It’s all image with no meaning behind it,” said White of Gaga’s image. “You can’t sink your teeth into it.”
Naturally, her fans swarmed the White Stripes frontman online, and White had to clarify his comments. Though, White had no interest in paying Gaga any compliments. “I never said anything about her music, or questioned the authenticity of her songs in any way,” said White.
2. Von Bondies
Jack White beefed with quite a few musicians through the years, but his beef with Von Bondies’ Jason Stollsteimer turned into a full-blown physical altercation. Back in 2003, White approached Stollsteimer at the Magic Stick Club in Detroit with a fight on his mind. He “violently attacked” Stollsteimer without “warning or provocation”, according to a statement from Von Bondies’ management.
Stollsteimer allegedly didn’t give into White’s desire to fight, which made him even angrier, resulting in an onslaught of punches. White had to go to court over the assault, was fined a few hundos, and had to attend anger management classes. It’s still not clear what prompted the fight over 20 years later.
3. Foo Fighters
In the wake of recent drama involving one member of Foo Fighters, we bet Jack White is giggling and kicking his feet. Back in the day, White was performing at Fenway Park in Boston before he decided to spit out a few cross words about the alternative rock band.
Specifically, he accused Foo Fighters of hiding a second guitar player during their live sets to cover up any mistakes. The next day, White said he had the “utmost respect” for the band, and Foo Fighters responded with a cheeky joke on Twitter.
4. The Black Keys
This feud seemed like it would go on forever. Back in 2012 (it was a busy year for White), a few rumors started popping up that White had banned The Black Keys from using his recording studio. In an email leak the next year, White also said he was furious about his kids going to the same school as Dan Auerbach’s children.
“That’s a possible twelve f***ing years I’m going to have to be sitting in kids’ chairs next to that a**hole with other people trying to lump us in together,” the email read.
White would continue to throw jabs at the band throughout 2014, though he would later apologize for his comments. Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney said that White later tried to fight him at a bar, which White denied.
Today, it looks like it’s all water under the bridge. Back in 2019, White’s label praised one of The Black Keys’ newest singles.
Photo by Larry Marano/Shutterstock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.