That Buzzing Sound: Showcase: Jack White @ The Shrine (08/11/12)

No words, #afterthebreak…

Jack White at the Shrine Auditorium

08/11/12

==Highlights==

…

No words for an incredible showcase of pure unfiltered talent from Third Man Record’s mastermind — Jack White — as he ended his second sold out night at Los Angeles’ iconic Shrine Auditorium. Wish I could end it by just sayin’ amazing, closing the book, and go back to watching ‘The Newsroom’. There is a bit more to it than that. Small things. I’ll understand if you choose to drop to all my favorite pictures from the event. Won’t judge. Just know that I will be concluding this showcase with a variation of the words like — Astounding, Impressed, Superfly, and Mind Blown. Would you expect nothing less from an artist who is more revered by our generation for innovation and old school mentality than any other guitarist ever? A legendary concert would be the low bar.

The near two hour long set was like being on a runaway train hurdling towards a black hole at rapid speed. There was no looking back from the three monolithic pillars of blue lights once the curtain dropped behind Jack & His Peacocks. Yeah, we got the Peacocks! In fact: our show was x10 better than Friday night’s show. Looking at LA Weekly‘s write up and even though Jack got a similar response– we got Seven Nation Army!

[Insert Mic Drop Here]

Can I just say the blue milky light looked cooler in person than in any professional picture. Made all my pictures in focus & geeky cool. Yes, pictures. Tried not to take a lot of them, but the temptation weighted on me. I get it, but if the venue holds security checks close to airport security and still allows in giant x15 zoom cameras– you’re asking for trouble. Either yes or no. The funny thing is I was expecting to be rejected for my tiny S100 at the door. I wasn’t. The only warning we got was a well dressed man who appeared after the opening act (~~whose names I don’t remember~~ Luke Winslow -King Trio) to persuade the hundred of camera phone equipped goers. He got a thunderous round of applause by the same group who broke that rule.

If they are really trying show everyone an equal time, they need to stop me from standing up. My sheer 6’5″ frame is dangerous to the 5’something blonde sitting behind me. Just be glad I don’t have a Afro. Don’t think I haven’t thought about it. ‘fros are cool. Tried to give the girls behind me a little time with my big body in the way. Pity they left when I did. Everyone deserves a memorable show without complaints.

Jack & his company is currently trying to manage a PR / social media attack on their old school mentality. Don’t believe me read this. I absolutely love their stance on technology at shows. For the first time I wanted to be told “no” at the door. Propaganda plastered on the vintage walls. Thought it would be worth a fun story to tell all of you about how I went to a show, didn’t take pictures, and actually enjoyed it. Followed by a short write up, provided photos by the great Jo McCaughey, and everyone goes home. Didn’t get stopped and no propaganda. Story, whoosh, out the window. Wonder if something happened?

Wish I may, wish I might but Third Man shouldn’t back down from the one thing that makes their shows unique. A Jack White show should be like an sophisticated/classy Arclight picture-show: no texting, no phones, assign seating, all enforced by burly security. A grain of salt from a self-proclaimed arch nemesis to this methodology. It’s like the joker calling batman out on his BS.

The wide eyed green shriners were more enthralled by the unique collector’s memorabilia than the show itself. Oh yes– Third Man brought along their swag. Spent the 45 minute wait listening in on all the comments about the venue. This place wasn’t new to me. I have hosted awards shows here for the past four years. Such an iconic dusty building. First time seeing a show though. As expected the whole venue was vintage from the loose seats to the dusty carpet. If you ever wonder what it would be like to open a pyramid, invite all your friends, and play an exclusive show– that’s what Saturday felt like in this building.

That was a lot of bullshit. The one minor complaint would be the audio went in and out during some songs as Mr. White’s guitar overpowered everything in the room. It just blurred to together fusing White Stripes songs with Blunderbuss rockabilly to gothic Raconteurs/Dead Weather even one reference to his Danger Mouse Collabo, Rome. I’ve done the research and this setlist was to die for. Pity you couldn’t be apart of it.

Just know that when Jack pulled out “We’re Going To Be Friends” I checked out. My favorite White Stripes song, played for me, live– game, set, match– burn. Happy someone got it on tape. Now get to relive it forever.

Do I recommend Jack White to non-white stripe fans? Of course. Even I’m not like the hardcore punks that surrounded me last night. Doesn’t change the fact he’s a musical genius. Pure rock ‘n’ roll is few & far between in an age of DJ tables and strobe lights. Jack relishes the fact that he is one of the last of his breed while cultivating similar acts. You should admire it and trust he won’t steer you wrong.

Big thanks to Mr. White & His Third Man Records squad, the Shrine for opening your secretive haunting doors, and to all of you for reading my broken poorly typed words. The photos are my gift to you!

-J

==Picture Selects==