Jack White Honors Meg White & Detroit at Rock Hall Induction

Jack White honors Detroit and Meg White as The White Stripes are inducted into the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, celebrating their legacy and music. Detroit rock legend Jack White delivered a heartfelt speech at the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, celebrating both his hometown and his former bandmate Meg White, as The White Stripes were officially inducted. The ceremony, held at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater on November 8, was a night of nostalgia, emotion, and recognition for the iconic duo.

Jack White opened his speech by paying tribute to Detroit, name-dropping local favorites like Gold Dollar, the Gories, the Dirtbombs, the Hentchmen, and even the Detroit Zoo. “I thank you and all of Detroit,” he said, emphasizing the city’s vital role in shaping the sound of The White Stripes and the global garage rock movement.

Formed in 1997, The White Stripes consisted of Jack on guitar and vocals and Meg on minimalist drums. The pair, who were once married but presented themselves as siblings, became known for their raw, electrifying performances in small Detroit venues. Jack infused their music with a mix of Delta blues, punk, and country, while Meg’s stripped-down drumming provided a primal backbone to their sound.

The band’s rise to fame came with the 2001 album White Blood Cells, which included hits like “Fell in Love with a Girl.” Their 2003 album Elephant solidified their status, with the global anthem “Seven Nation Army” becoming a stadium favorite. After six studio albums, The White Stripes disbanded in 2011, citing a desire to preserve the integrity and uniqueness of the band.

During the induction, Jack shared a touching message from Meg, who could not attend. “She wanted me to tell everyone how grateful she is to all the fans who supported her through the years,” Jack said, adding that Meg helped him refine his speech, correcting grammar and contributing ideas.

Jack also reminisced about personal memories, including visits to the Detroit Zoo and playful childhood experiences with animals. He narrated a poetic story about a boy and girl building a parade float behind an oak tree in Detroit, reflecting the creative spirit that fueled The White Stripes’ music.

Encouraging aspiring musicians, Jack advised, “Get your hands dirty, step away from the screens, and dive into something you love. Share what you create—someone, somewhere will feel it.”

Rock icon Iggy Pop, a fellow Detroiter, inducted The White Stripes, calling them a rebirth of rock ‘n’ roll. Pop praised their originality, stating that Jack and Meg created a world entirely their own through music and visuals, from red, white, and black imagery to the playful energy in their performances.

The 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame welcomed other legendary inductees alongside The White Stripes, including Cyndi Lauper, Salt-N-Pepa, OutKast, Joe Cocker, Soundgarden, Chubby Checker, Bad Company, Warren Zevon, and session legends Carol Kaye and Nicky Hopkins, as well as producer Lenny Waronker.

Jack White’s speech served as a love letter to Detroit, a tribute to Meg White, and a reminder of the enduring power of creativity and passion in music.