Jack White @ Channel 24 Sacramento

Photo credit David James Swanson

Jack White's sold-out performance at Channel 24 in Sacramento on May 26 was a masterclass in raw, electrifying rock—a fitting showcase for a legend who continues to defy expectations. The show, part of his 2025 “No Name Tour,” brought White’s signature blend of garage rock, blues, and punk to one of California’s newest mid-size venues, and the result was nothing short of exhilarating.

Channel 24, still fresh on the Sacramento live music scene, proved an ideal setting for White’s gritty aesthetic. The venue’s intimate yet industrial vibe amplified the night's energy, allowing fans to feel every fuzz-drenched riff and thunderous drumbeat up close. White, ever the showman, seemed to relish the space, commanding the stage with a mix of swagger and spontaneity.
White’s set was a thrilling tour through his expansive catalog. He opened with “Old Scratch Blues” and “That’s How I’m Feeling” from his latest album, No Name, a record that critics have praised for its return to the raw, bluesy roots reminiscent of early White Stripes work. The new material, including the gritty “It’s Rough on Rats (If You’re Asking),” fit seamlessly alongside fan favorites.
White delighted the crowd with a generous helping of White Stripes classics like “Black Math,” “Offend in Every Way,” and, of course, fan favorites like “Hotel Yorba" and "Fell in Love with a Girl." White also played tracks from a couple of his other bands. The Raconteurs track “Broken Boy Soldier” added depth to the set, while a searing rendition of the Dead Weather’s “I Cut Like a Buffalo” showcased his versatility and flair for the dramatic. Backed by longtime collaborators Patrick Keeler (drums), Dominic Davis (bass), and Bobby Emmett (keys), White led a tight, dynamic ensemble that thrived on improvisation. The band navigated tempo shifts and extended jams with ease, responding to White’s cues with practiced precision. The chemistry was palpable, especially during moments when White would drift toward the drum riser, coaxing new textures from his guitar. The band's encore was a powerful mix of old and new with songs off his 2014 album, Lazaretto, his latest opus, No Name, and two of The White Stripes' most epic songs: "Icky Thump" and "Seven Nation Army." The latter closed the night and was the perfect end to a monumental show.

For those in attendance, the concert was more than just a performance—it was an experience. White’s ability to blend past and present, to honor his roots while pushing boundaries, was on full display. The evening served as a potent reminder of why Jack White remains one of rock’s most compelling figures. As the final notes echoed through Channel 24, the audience was left buzzing, not just from the music, but from the sense that they had witnessed something truly special—a night where a modern legend reaffirmed his place in the pantheon of rock greats.

PHOTOS by David James Swanson