The White Stripes have a treat for fans in the form of their debut TV performance.
The footage comes as part of ongoing 20th anniversary celebrations for the band’s second album De Stijl. The iconic duo of Jack White and Meg White quietly shared the rare footage on their YouTube channel earlier this week.
A statement from the band says: “In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of De Stijl, watch The White Stripes (Jack White & Meg White) perform ‘Apple Blossom’ & ‘Death Letter’ Live on Detroit Public TV’s ‘Backstage Pass’ from May 28, 2000.”
“This is the bands’ first TV performance and it took place just before the release of the sophomore album which was out in June 2000.”
The White Stripes have been busy recently dishing out rarities for fans. Earlier this month, they shared very early footage of them performing ‘Dead Letter‘, which they also perform in this TV performance.
‘Dead Letter’ is most famously performed by the American blues guitarist Son House. The band covered it on their second album De Stijl, which is now a cult favourite among fans.
The 20th anniversary vinyl reissue of De Stijl was announced back in February. The double-LP reissue is only available through Third Man Records subscription service, but boasts a ton of fan-servicing material such as live recordings and B-sides.
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The De Stijl package includes a hardcover case, an archival booklet comprised of previously unseen photos, flyers and more. It also comes with a DVD containing these two performances.
The White Stripes disbanded in 2011, three years after the release of their 2007 album Icky Thump. While Meg White has stepped back from music, Jack White has remained active with The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs. He has also released three solo albums, the most recent being 2018’s Boarding House Reach.
Check out ‘Fell In Love With A Girl’ by The White Stripes:
