In a poignant ceremony in Los Angeles, the legendary garage rock duo The White Stripes were officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, an event marked by the notable absence of drummer Meg White.
A Tribute to an Absent Partner
Frontman Jack White took to the stage alone to accept the honour, delivering an emotional address that paid tribute to his reclusive former bandmate. Meg White has made few public appearances since the band dissolved nearly 15 years ago, and her absence was deeply felt throughout the evening.
White acknowledged her directly, conveying her gratitude for the induction to the gathered audience and music industry elite. He spoke fondly of their partnership, which defined the sound of a generation with its raw, minimalist energy.
The Parable and The Performance
The speech culminated in a lengthy and unusual parable about the formation of their garage rock band. Jack White revealed that this story was originally written as a letter addressed to Meg White, adding a deeply personal layer to the mythological origins of The White Stripes.
The induction event, held on Monday 10 November 2025, was a star-studded affair that also featured tributes to late music icons Brian Wilson and Sly Stone. The night was filled with performances from fellow inductees, including a memorable set from Cyndi Lauper, who was joined on stage by special guests Avril Lavigne and Salt-N-Pepa.
A Legacy Cemented
The induction solidifies The White Stripes' place in music history, recognising their profound impact on the rock genre. For fans, the evening was a bittersweet celebration of a band that burned brightly but briefly, leaving an indelible mark on the music world. Jack White's heartfelt words served as a powerful reminder of the unique and enigmatic chemistry that made the duo so compelling, even in the absence of its other half.
