June 21, 2007 21:18

White Stripes thrill at unique LA venue

The duo convert former record store into 'Icky Thump Records'

Photo Gallery: The White Stripes
Photo: Dean Chalkley

The White Stripes converted the former Tower Records store on Sunset Strip into their own 'Icky Thump Records' to perform a rousing set for a handful of fans in Los Angeles last night (June 20).

Introduced by actor Jack Black who asked, "Are you ready for a rip snortin' humdinger?" the band took the stage to perform for the first 200 fans who had bought their new album at the store the day before, as well as several industry types and celebrities.

"Welcome to the grand opening of our new record store, Icky Thump Records!" frontman Jack White bellowed. "Can I get an amen for records you can hold in your hands? Can I get an amen for non-disposable records?" he asked, sounding like a rock-and-roll preacher.

The duo was dressed casually--Jack in a black t-shirt and fitted red trousers, and Meg in a striped red-and-white t-shirt.

They kicked things off with the album's hard-hitting title track, 'Icky Thump', and segued into 'When I Hear My Name'.

In addition to playing several tracks from their new album, the band played crowd-pleasers including 'Hotel Yorba', 'Seven Nation Army', and a heart-wrenching cover of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene'.

By the end of their hour-long set, the crowd was drenched in sweat but still cried out for more, chanting the band's name until they returned for an encore.

After concluding with a cover of bluesman Huddie Ledbetter's 'Boll Weevil', Jack expressed his gratitude to the fans who queued overnight for tickets to the rare event.

"My sister and I would like to thank everybody who camped out. Did you get the pizzas we sent over?" he added.

Before saying goodnight, Jack thanked his crew for making the show happen, and the LA music industry. "It's a big institution and we don't take that for granted. Thank you for letting us do this."

The White Stripes played:

'Icky Thump'
'When I Hear My Name'
'Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground'
'Effect And Cause'
'Hotel Yorba'
'I'm Slowly Turning Into You'
'Canon/John The Revelator'
'Jolene'
'I'm A Martyr For My Love For You'
'Catch Hell Blues'
'Death Letter'

Encore:

'Black Math'
'Rag And Bone' (reprise)
'Screwdriver'
'Seven Nation Army'
'Boll Weevil'

[b]--By our Los Angeles staff.
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