Jack White has issued an apology for comments he made about The Black Keys in a recent interview as well as in private correspondence.
Writing on this official website, he posted a blog entitled ‘An apology and explanation from Jack White’, in which he stated he was addressing comments made to “clear up a lot of the negativity surrounding things I’ve said or written, despite the fact that I loathe to bring more attention to these things.”
Talking about the letters which came to light last year, in which he appeared to criticise Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, he commented: “…my private letters were made public for reasons I still don’t understand. They contained comments that were part of a much bigger scenario that is difficult to elaborate on, and also one that I really shouldn’t have to explain as it was personal and private in nature.”
He added that he wishes The Black Keys “all the success that they can get”. He continues: “I hope the best for their record label Nonesuch who has such a proud history in music, and in their efforts to bring the Black Keys songs to the world. I hope for massive success also for their producer and songwriter Danger Mouse and for the other musicians that their band employs. Lord knows that I can tell you myself how hard it is to get people to pay attention to a two piece band with a plastic guitar, so any attention that the Black Keys can get in this world I wish it for them, and I hope their record stays in the top ten for many months and they have many more successful albums in their career.”
Regarding comments made about Lana Del Rey, Adele and Duffy, where he was quoted as saying they “would not have happened if Amy Winehouse was alive”, he said in the blog post they were “wonderful performers with amazing voices”. He added: “I also would love to state that I personally find it inspiring to have powerful, positive female voices speaking out and creating at all times in the mainstream, and all of those singers do just that, so I thank them.”
He also addressed comments made about Meg White, in which he appeared to say he didn’t speak to her anymore. “She is a strong female presence in rock and roll, and I was not intending to slight her either, only to explain how hard it was for us to communicate with our very different personalities,” he explained in the blog post. “This got blown out of proportion and made into headlines, and somehow I looked like I was picking on her. I would never publicly do that to someone I love so dearly. And, there are mountains of interviews where my words are very clear on how important I think she is to me and to music.”
He finished the piece by writing: “So, God bless the Black Keys, Danger Mouse, Adele, Meg White, and anyone else I’ve spoken about, and thank you for understanding. Good fortune to all of them, and I’m sorry for my statements hurting anyone.”