I found it impossible to ignore a local Jack White gig even if he plays drums rather than guitar in his latest band. So it was off to the Birmingham Carling Academy to see Dead Weather. When I got there I found the place closed up - it had moved in September although you wouldn't know that from the ticket or website. Finding the new venue eventually I caught the last minute or so of the support act "Creature with the atom brain". They sounded OK but I wasn't distraught at having missed them. Dead Weather came on, rather bravely but also excitingly to "Sure 'Nuff Yes I Do" and started playing as it faded out.
With Jack hiding away at the back the band was fronted by Alison Mosshart who had attitude to spare. This was clearly the polar opposite of my previous gig listening to Appalachian folk music - this was bona-fide rock'n roll.
They played a number of tracks from their album "Horehound". "So Far from Your Weapon" stood out for me with Alison screaming out the lyrics and some heavyweight guitar from Dean Fertita whilst Jack pounded demonically on the drum. They did a Dylan cover "New Pony" which is also on the album.
After forty five minutes in the final pre-encore track Jack White at last strapped on a guitar and demonstrated that while he really is a good drummer he is a great guitarist. They played "Will there be enough water?" and it was riveting. Too soon the track was finished and the band were offstage after less than an hour. They came back for an encore of three songs and Jack again played guitar for part of a track. This time Dean Fertita was also playing guitar and he was hitting a fuzzy rhythm while Jack played his trademark screeching frenetic lead. I could have done with a whole gigs worth of that.
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