Unplugged Screens, Plugged-In Amps: Jack White Thrills Newcastle
The rock icon delivers a breathless, career-spanning set that proves live music is best experienced in the moment.
"He doesn't just play those songs, he lives them with every note, and you can really feel that in the room."
Jack White at O2 City Hall NewcastleFollowing the release of his seventh studio album Frozen Charlotte back in July, Jack White has hit the UK with a tour that saw him visit the historic O2 City Hall Newcastle for a night of electrifying guitar goodness. A Jack White show in 2026 is a very interesting experience that starts right at the front door.
Jack has chosen to make this tour phone-free, so as we entered the venue we were given a Yonder pouch to slide our phones into, magnetically sealed until the end of the show. It's a concept I'd heard of but never seen in practice before , a bit of a novelty, not looking down at my phone while waiting for the gig to start. Seeing everyone else's reaction was interesting too: one person in the balcony came prepared, and sat reading a book, while others struck up conversations with those around them.
Jack has chosen to make this tour phone-free, so as we entered the venue we were given a Yonder pouch to slide our phones into, magnetically sealed until the end of the show. It's a concept I'd heard of but never seen in practice before , a bit of a novelty, not looking down at my phone while waiting for the gig to start. Seeing everyone else's reaction was interesting too: one person in the balcony came prepared, and sat reading a book, while others struck up conversations with those around them.
Third Man Records pop-up at beatdown records in Newcastle
The experience actually started earlier that day, as Jack's label Third Man Records opened a pop-up store at Beatdown Records in the city centre. I didn't venture in, as the queue was huge, those dedicated fans were there for exclusive merch and vinyl, and the store is back open again today thanks to its popularity.
Third Man Records - On Tour 2026 pin badge.
Back to the gig. Opening the show was experimental noise-rock outfit Gnod, who gave a rousing set that certainly woke me up, and they looked like they were having a good time. From my vantage point on the balcony I could see plenty of heads banging.
As the stage was set up for Jack, the crew added to the show, dressed in smart suits and hats keeping with the Third Man Records vibe — it's those small things that really add to the whole experience.
The house lights dimmed and the band, followed by the main man, walked on stage and started jamming together, the crowd's reaction said it all. Excitement and good vibes were the order of the day.
There was no time for chatter from Jack, as he had a lot to get through, 24 songs in total. As he broke into the first White Stripes song of the night, "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground," we heard the insane vocal range he still has; he sounded incredible. His distinctive tone, and the way he moves across the stage in total unity with the music he's playing, is something rather special.
There was a good mix of old and new, with a stunning rendition of "There's Nobody There" from the new album making an early appearance and sounding so good, and the electric organ on "All Along the Way" adding to the atmosphere. You could tell a lot of thought had gone into the setlist to keep the night flowing, the calm from the last song broken by the high energy of "Hotel Yorba," which had the crowd singing along with every word and loving every second.
It was great to see people embracing the phone-free experience and really getting into the music in a way they maybe wouldn't have with a phone in hand. There was no fumbling to get a "decent" photo or video, the only hands in the air were waving enthusiastically with the music. I did see one guy on the balcony getting carried out by security, and one idiot decided to throw their pint glass into the crowd, but apart from that there was an overriding feeling of positivity, and dare I say it, unity in the crowd. We were all there for the same reason, and it felt great.
After playing "Fell in Love with a Girl," Jack put down his guitar and left the stage. Chants of "we want more" resounded around the walls of City Hall, and those chants were met with a nine-song encore.
As the stage was set up for Jack, the crew added to the show, dressed in smart suits and hats keeping with the Third Man Records vibe — it's those small things that really add to the whole experience.
The house lights dimmed and the band, followed by the main man, walked on stage and started jamming together, the crowd's reaction said it all. Excitement and good vibes were the order of the day.
There was no time for chatter from Jack, as he had a lot to get through, 24 songs in total. As he broke into the first White Stripes song of the night, "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground," we heard the insane vocal range he still has; he sounded incredible. His distinctive tone, and the way he moves across the stage in total unity with the music he's playing, is something rather special.
There was a good mix of old and new, with a stunning rendition of "There's Nobody There" from the new album making an early appearance and sounding so good, and the electric organ on "All Along the Way" adding to the atmosphere. You could tell a lot of thought had gone into the setlist to keep the night flowing, the calm from the last song broken by the high energy of "Hotel Yorba," which had the crowd singing along with every word and loving every second.
It was great to see people embracing the phone-free experience and really getting into the music in a way they maybe wouldn't have with a phone in hand. There was no fumbling to get a "decent" photo or video, the only hands in the air were waving enthusiastically with the music. I did see one guy on the balcony getting carried out by security, and one idiot decided to throw their pint glass into the crowd, but apart from that there was an overriding feeling of positivity, and dare I say it, unity in the crowd. We were all there for the same reason, and it felt great.
After playing "Fell in Love with a Girl," Jack put down his guitar and left the stage. Chants of "we want more" resounded around the walls of City Hall, and those chants were met with a nine-song encore.
Frozen Charlotte cover art
Among those songs were "G.O.D. and the Broken Ribs" and "Neighbours Blues" from the new album, as well as the second Raconteurs track of the night, "Broken Boy Soldier," earlier in the show, and the foot-stomping anthem "Steady As She Goes," bringing the energy to its peak before Jack closed the night with the mega hit "Seven Nation Army." Honestly, I have no problem saying it felt like I was part of a moment in time I hope I get to experience again, but if not, that night will do for me.
A truly special night from a man of few words but bursting at the seams with musical talent and artistry. He doesn't just play those songs, he lives them with every note, and you can really feel that in the room.
If you get the opportunity to see his live show, drop everything and go. The new album Frozen Charlotte is available right now. Click here to grab your copy.
Looking for photos from the gig? You can check out all live photos and videos from this tour at https://jackwhiteiii.com/live-photos/ taken by Jack's official photographer for this tour, David James Swanson
A truly special night from a man of few words but bursting at the seams with musical talent and artistry. He doesn't just play those songs, he lives them with every note, and you can really feel that in the room.
If you get the opportunity to see his live show, drop everything and go. The new album Frozen Charlotte is available right now. Click here to grab your copy.
Looking for photos from the gig? You can check out all live photos and videos from this tour at https://jackwhiteiii.com/live-photos/ taken by Jack's official photographer for this tour, David James Swanson