March 3, 2006 10:15

Billy Childish hits back at Jack White

The garage man responds to White Stripes attack

Billy Childish has hit back at Jack White’s claims that the garage man has plagiarised The White Stripes.

As previously reported, White posted a missive on the band's official site on Monday (February 27).

He said: “As for Billy Childish, Meg and I really feel sorry for you. It must be lonely sitting in all of that garage rock bitterness Billy. You know children, when you take someone else's music and put your own lytics on top of it, it's still called plagiarism.

"Something Mister Childish hasn't learned yet....By the way Billy, we didn't have to have you play with us, and we didn't have to mention you in interviews, we were just being polite in a foreign land. But you're welcome anyways. The bitter garage rocker..."

However, Childish has now slammed White in an open letter, saying: “Though I have undoubtedly angered Jack White, I think it’s a bit nasty of him to accuse me of plagiarism merely because his former admiration of my work was not reciprocated.”

He added: “It all smacks of jealousy to me. I have a bigger collection of hats, a better moustache, a more blistering guitar sound and a fully developed sense of humour. The only thing I can’t understand is why I’m not rich. Yours sincerely, Billy Childish.”

Signing off the letter, Childish said: “P.S. I always stay well within the music industries recommended guidelines of never plagiarising more than 50% of my material. But no matter who my influences may be, I would never stoop so low as to rip off Led Zeppelin.

“P.P.S I hope I've gone and offended Led Zeppelin now."

The war of words was started after Childish spoke to the American GQ magazine about The White Stripes.

"I can't listen to that stuff,” he explained. “They don't have a good sound...Jack's half into the sound and music, but then he wants to be a pop star as well, so you've got a big problem."

The White Stripes meanwhile are currently concluding the 'Get Behind Me Satan' world tour with dates in Japan.