Jack White’s presence in Chicago always generates excitement, and his recent performance at the Salt Shed was no exception. Over the past 2½ years, the guitar virtuoso has captivated audiences with a series of unforgettable shows, each unique in venue and vibe. From a nostalgic performance at Empty Bottle in December 2022 to his recent two-night stand at Salt Shed, White continues to showcase the breadth and importance of his musical catalog.
The excitement leading up to the Salt Shed concert was palpable, especially following his No Name Tour appetizer at Metro last October. The kick-off show on Thursday night delivered an electrifying blend of scuzzy blues rock and punk-rock spirit. Fans were treated to a tailored selection of staples from White’s solo career, including tracks from his latest Grammy-nominated album, “No Name.” In addition to his originals, the set featured two blues covers and a mix of hits from The Raconteurs and The White Stripes, all cranked up to eleven. For those packed into the sardine-like crowd, the ringing ears that followed served as a badge of honor.
Before the concert, the Salt Shed venue playfully noted on Instagram that preparations were underway to ensure the roof wouldn’t blow off during the performance. The space also featured vibrant installation art, including the inaugural Jack White Vintage Poster Experience in the newly opened Elston Electric Arcade. The thoughtful decorations set the stage for an artist who needs no introduction and, in his usual style, kept it simple with no frills and no name for his tour.
Jack White’s artistry shines brightest when he strips down to the raw essence of a garage rock band with a pile of speakers and no rules. The show’s setup was characteristically straightforward, featuring White and his modest collection of three guitars. He was joined by his trusted Midwest team, including keyboardist Bobby Emmett, drummer Patrick Keeler, and bassist Dominic Davis, all of whom fed off the crowd’s energy to produce a frenetic sound experience.
The evening commenced with an intense rendition of “Old Scratch Blues,” showcasing White’s high-pitched shrills and uncompromising guitar skills. The audience was instantly hooked, with some fans attempting to catch guitar picks thrown their way, a testament to the thrilling atmosphere. White even playfully admonished several attendees for being “too cool” to clap along during “Hotel Yorba.” In contrast, most responded with enthusiastic participation, especially during the call-and-response of “Steady, As She Goes” and the chant of “Seven Nation Army” that echoed long after the performance concluded.
White’s comments in recent months indicate a walk against criticism regarding his show lengths. In a February post, he remarked, “It’s not a Marvel movie, or a Vegas residency; it’s rock and roll, and it’s a living breathing organism.” On this occasion, all that was required was 90 minutes and under 20 songs to reaffirm his status as a vital force in rock music, nearly 25 years after first breaking onto the scene with “White Blood Cells.” He exemplifies not only the essence of pushing musical trends forward through his role at Third Man Records but also stands as a living, touring testament to America’s rich musical heritage, including sounds and vinyl.
During a visit to Wrigley Field earlier this week for a Cubs/Rangers game, White also explored the newly unveiled Landmark Records installation, which celebrates Chicago’s electric blues legacy. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “Best of all was the fact that they now have a vinyl record store at Wrigley Field! Selling blues records and the like, who’d have thought that would ever happen especially in 2025?” on Instagram.
Demonstrating his passion for the blues, White frequently showcases a monochromatic blue palette in his attire. This homage was evident during Thursday’s performance, which included covers of “Hound Dog” by Hound Dog Taylor and Junior Wells’ “Hoodoo Man Blues.” He expressed his sentiment, stating, “There’s always that something about coming to this town playing the blues. This is how I want to hear it.”
For those eager to catch Jack White’s next performance at the Salt Shed, mark your calendars for April 11. Though the show is sold out, students with an ID can purchase a limited number of $20 tickets on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5 p.m. at the venue’s box office.
The setlist for Thursday night included:
– Old Scratch Blues
– That’s How I’m Feeling
– Hoodoo Man Blues (Junior Wells cover)
– It’s Rough on Rats (If You’re Asking)
– Hotel Yorba (The White Stripes)
– Broken Boy Soldiers (The Raconteurs)
– Let’s Build A Home (The White Stripes)
– Give Me Back My Wig (Hound Dog Taylor cover)
– Morning at Midnight
– That Black Bat Licorice
– The Hardest Button to Button (The White Stripes)
– Underground
– Cannon (The White Stripes)
– Seven Nation Army (The White Stripes)
Encore:
– Lazaretto
– Archbishop Harold Holmes
– Steady, As She Goes (The Raconteurs)
– Ball and Biscuit (The White Stripes).
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/music/2025/04/11/jack-white-delivers-electrifying-blues-at-salt-shed-in-chicago
