Controversy

Jack White’s Guacamole Problem (And How It Was Solved)

Last Monday, Jack White played a gig at the University of Oklahoma in the city of Norman. During the show, he let it be known that he wasn’t happy that the campus paper published portions of his performance contract.  The published information included how much he was being paid ($80,000) and, more importantly, the secret ingredients in Jack’s personal guacamole recipe. (Which apparently is really, really good, by the way.)

Jack White Guacamole

 

It was originally reported that as a result of this breach of privacy/security/industrial espionage that Jack had but the university on his blacklist of places to never play again. However, Jack’s management would like to set the record straight.

HOLY GUACAMOLE!

To the students and staff of the University of Oklahoma:

Jack White would love to thank all the concert attendees at his performance at the University of Oklahoma. The crowd was incredible and Mr. White played an extensive two and a half hour show for them. The students who helped organize the event were wonderful. Playing in, and for, the people of Oklahoma is one of Jack White’s favorite tour stops. At no time did Jack White or White’s management say that we would never play there again, that is untrue.

The incidents with the OU Daily student newspaper reporting the financial terms of the show, the private tour rider information, along with unsolicited photographers from their staff were unfortunate, unprofessional, and very unwelcoming. The show was one of many on this tour directed at playing for university students in their own environment. And the band were all completely thrilled with the performance and the crowd.

Incidentally, the most important function of a rider is that it lays out optimal technical specifications to ensure the audience has the best experience possible. For that, Jack hires a team of very qualified touring professionals who write the rider and attempt to execute a professional and pleasant experience for all involved. Part of that is making sure that the tour personnel of about 30 people plus the local venue staff are fed. Contrary to what some believe, Jack doesn’t write the rider nor make demands about his favorite snacks that must be in his dressing room. We’re not even sure he likes guacamole but we do know that the folks who work hard to put on the show do enjoy it.

(By the way, now that’s it out there, we recommend you try Lalo’s guacamole recipe. It’s delicious.)

We hope those present for Mr. White’s performance are able to maintain their good memories from the experience and he looks forward to seeing them again soon.

Sincerely,

Monotone Inc.

(Jack White’s management)

Glad we’ve sorted that out. Now go whip up a bunch of your own. It’s okay.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38061 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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