Jack White criticises “entitled” fans for wanting his shows to be longer: “It’s not a Marvel movie”
Jack White has lamented “entitled” fans who expect his performances to be longer. The former White Stripes songwriter is currently touring North America in support of his No Name album, which was unveiled last year.
So far, the majority of White’s tour setlists have been between 20 and 25 tracks, ranging in variety from his latest solo work to the early compositions of The White Stripes. While these sets could hardly be called short, some fans have criticised the songwriter for not playing longer shows, particularly given the premium ticket prices charged on the current North American tour.
In response to this criticism, White took to social media to call out this small portion of fans. “Been hearing a lot of chatter throughout the year of this glorious electric touring about how long our sets are ‘supposed to be’ on stage,” the Third Man Records founder wrote. “As if the length of a show determines how ‘good’ it is.”
He continued, “I know that we’re living in a current era where people like to say ‘so and so played for 3 hours last night!’, and brag about it the next day hahaha, I’ll let our fans know now that my mind has no intention of ‘impressing’ y’all in that context.” Adding, “The Beatles and Ramones played 30 minute (ish) sets, and If I could, I would do the same at this moment in my performing life. That’s actually the kind of show I’d like to put on right now.”
White highlighted the inherent difference between his performances and the grandiose stadium shows that many punters have come to expect. “I think you’re talking about an arena laser light show with pyro, huge screens with premade videos, singers flying over the crowd, t-shirt cannons, etc, that’s not the kind of shows we’re performing,” he shared.
“There’s no setlist, and it’s not a Marvel movie, or a Vegas residency,” White wrote, “it’s rock and roll and it’s a living breathing organism.”
The performer is set to continue the rest of his US tour, including two upcoming dates in Brooklyn, supported by Bodega and Gustaf. The end of February will see him traverse the Atlantic for a handful of shows in England, including dates in London and Birmingham.
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