Jack White brought a blend of garage rock and blues to the Eventim Apollo in London recently, delivering a performance that both paid homage to his roots and grappled with the challenges of a fuller band setup. The concert, part of his ongoing tour with an upcoming Bristol date, reflected White’s return to a rawer sound following a period of more experimental releases.
White’s stage was adorned with eclectic elements, including roadies dressed in bowler hats and ties reminiscent of a Wild West funeral, and a backdrop featuring a statue resembling a chaotic amalgam of Star Wars characters. The visual theme contributed to an atmosphere aiming to evoke the intensity of a small, sweat-drenched garage club. The monochrome color scheme and brash, loud sound underscored the singer’s declaration: “Detroit is bringing rock’n’roll to London tonight!”
The setlist spanned White’s diverse career, including tracks from his recent 2024 album No Name and the earlier Frozen Charlotte, both marked by a renewed focus on garage rock and blues influenced by 1970s hard rock. However, in moving from the minimalism of his White Stripes duo—guitar and drums—to a full band, White appeared caught between styles. The expanded lineup led to several extended jams and guitar showmanship reminiscent of classic rock performances, which some observers felt detracted from the raw energy of his earlier work.
Songs originally performed by the White Stripes, such as “Icky Thump” and “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” (which included a verse from Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” as a tribute), benefited from the band’s fiery delivery. However, newer adaptations received mixed responses; for instance, “The Union Forever,” reinterpreted as a critique of Elon Musk, was perceived as less impactful amid the more bombastic arrangements. A rendition of “Broken Boy Soldier,” from another of White’s previous bands, the Raconteurs, resonated with power, while solo tracks like “It’s Rough on Rats (If You’re Asking)” and “GOD and the Broken Ribs” leaned heavily on Led Zeppelin influences. Critics noted that the slower, bluesier passages created a contrast with the tight, agile performances familiar from his duo days.
Despite these tensions, White’s distinctive voice and dynamic guitar solos remained prominent throughout the show. The concert concluded with a powerful duo of encore songs, “Steady, as She Goes” and “Seven Nation Army,” both of which highlighted his enduring appeal. While the night showcased a musician committed to reviving classic rock’s spirit, it also illustrated the complexities White faces in balancing nostalgia with contemporary performance dynamics.