The Secret History of Rock

The White Stripes Get an Unwelcome Bass Player

Alan Cross 2 Comments

One of the more interesting things about the White Stripes was that they didn’t have a bass player.

Back in 2002, this really, really bugged a guy named Steven McDonald, a member of an LA band called Redd Kross. He loved the White Stripes’ White Blood Cells album but the fact that there was no bass drove him nuts.

So Steve has been took some White Stripes songs, added in his bass line and then posted the results online. The new tracks sounded pretty good. Even Jack White said that these re-interpretations of his songs were okay with him.

But beware, kids. Don’t try this at home unless you have permission. This is still fiddling with copyrighted material.

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 38053 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

2 thoughts on “The White Stripes Get an Unwelcome Bass Player”

  • I think that the White Stripes' music is diverse enough in the actual harmonies that you don't need bass. The new songs with Steve McDonald's bass line in still sound good, but the sales and fan base tell us there was nothing wrong with it before! Good on him for not having an aneurism and doing something about the thing that rubbed him the wrong way though. And it's a good thing Jack White is such a good sport. Thanks, champ!

    Reply

  • And… Where can we hear the songs?

    Reply

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