Jack White Remembers the Past and Celebrates the Future

Photo Credit to Annie Leibovitz

While too many of us are still mourning the loss of one of recent-rock’s greatest acts, the White Stripes, many still remain intact via The Vault, Jack White’s Third Man Records’ vehicle to resurrect the band's past. Through a quarterly subscription, members receive “packages,” which could include anything from reissued songs to limited edition t-shirts to White Stripes outtakes.

But now, since its beginnings in 2009, Third Man Records’ “Package #13” will include its most historically significant collection as of yet: two vinyls of The White Stripes’ first ever live performances.

First, Live at the Gold Dollar, a 12”, features their first full show from August 14, 1997. Pressed on white vinyl, it includes two distinctly different versions of “Lafayette Blues” and “Screwdriver,” among others.

In addition, the white vinyl is paired with red in Live at the Gold Dollar, a 7” of their open mic stint on July 14, 1997. Although this is a much shorter set, it is significant as it was the world’s first introduction to the great White Stripes. It will include “Jimmy the Exploder,” “Love Potion #9,” and “St. James Infirmary Blues,” the latter heard on 1999’s The White Stripes.

White and ex-band mate turned ex-wife, Meg White, played at Detroit’s Gold Dollar one more time in 1999 before it closed its doors.

Nevertheless, these soundboard recordings are only available through The Vault, as well as a tote bag with Jack White’s resurrected Peppermint logo, painted by White himself. So make sure to sign up before July 31 to get your hand on these classics!

And while we’re speaking of classics, take a peak below at “Freedom at 21,” from Jack White’s first solo record, Blunderbuss. It was released today! And yes, it is everything I expected and more…so make sure to check it out.