CLEVELAND, OH – Jack White paid tribute to his former White Stripes bandmate, Meg White, during the duoS induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday. The ceremony, held in Cleveland, saw White acknowledge Meg’s significant contribution to the band’s success and her continued gratitude for thier supporters.
Iggy Pop preceded White’s acceptance speech, describing white as a “rocket of racket.” He lauded White’s songwriting,noting influences from The Who,The Small Faces,and The Beatles,and distinguishing it from other prominent Detroit bands of the 60s and 70s.
upon receiving the honor, White thanked Pop as “Uncle Iggy” and shared that Meg was unable to attend the ceremony. “I spoke with Meg White the other day… she’s very grateful to all the folks who supported her through all the years. It really means a lot to her,” he said.
White then relayed a request from Meg: to share a story about their shared experiences attracting the attention of animals. “Even at the Detroit Zoo, an elephant did the exact same thing one time and she just wanted me to tell you that,” White recounted.
White also acknowledged a diverse range of musical influences on the white Stripes, including Loretta Lynn, Fugazi, the Misfits, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, The Strokes, and Black Flag.
He concluded his speech by reading a poetic story he had written for Meg, depicting a brother and sister building a parade float in their garage and sharing their music with the world. The story culminated in the realization that connecting with an audience-even just one person-was a profound experience, equating that connection to a divine moment.
The 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class also includes Soundgarden, Bad Company, OutKast, Cyndi Lauper, Chubby Checker, and Joe Cocker.
