Seven Nation Army” Marches to the Hall: The White Stripes Join Rock’s Elite

It began as a minimalist experiment in a Detroit basement — a red, white, and black dream pulsing through raw guitar riffs and drum beats. Decades later, The White Stripes have officially entered rock’s highest circle. On Saturday night, the duo was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their place among music’s greatest innovators and confirming what fans have known all along: the White Stripes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame story was inevitable.

The Sound of Detroit Echoes Worldwide

Formed in 1997 by Jack and Meg White, The White Stripes re-ignited the spirit of Detroit’s garage scene with their thunderous simplicity. What started with local gigs at Cass Corridor’s Gold Dollar Bar quickly turned into a global phenomenon. By the early 2000s, they had redefined modern rock with their breakthrough album Elephant and its anthemic single “Seven Nation Army.”

That unmistakable bass-like riff became a universal chant — from football stadiums to political rallies — transcending genre, geography, and generation. Few songs in modern history have achieved such omnipresence. It wasn’t just a hit; it became a symbol of unity and rebellion, echoing the duo’s stripped-down philosophy: two instruments, infinite sound.

White Stripes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Moment

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025 ceremony at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater celebrated artistry that reshaped culture, and The White Stripes stood front and center. Introduced by fellow Michigan legend Iggy Pop, who called them “a 21st-century Adam and Eve,” the moment felt both historic and poetic — a passing of the creative torch from one generation of boundary-breakers to another.

Accepting the honor, Jack White reflected on the band’s origins and impact:

“Today, The White Stripes are proud to represent the sound of Detroit punk and garage rock and all of its bands and artists.”

Though Meg White did not attend, Jack shared her gratitude:

“She wanted me to tell you that she’s very grateful to all of the folks who supported her through all the years. It really means a lot to her tonight.”

Tributes to a Legacy of Raw Genius

The celebration continued with a lineup that mirrored the Stripes’ enduring influence. Pop phenomenon Olivia Rodrigo and singer-songwriter Feist performed a delicate, emotional rendition of “We’re Going to Be Friends.” Then, alternative duo Twenty One Pilots electrified the crowd with a full-throttle performance of “Seven Nation Army,” reminding everyone why that riff still moves audiences two decades later.

The performances underscored how the band’s minimalist style continues to inspire new generations of artists — musicians who see in The White Stripes a blueprint for authenticity and risk-taking.

A Band, a Vision, a Legacy

Beyond the riffs and red-and-white visuals, The White Stripes’ influence lies in how they redefined what a band could be. They blurred the lines between concept and creation — art as rebellion, simplicity as sophistication. Their music was never polished to perfection; it was alive, beating with Detroit’s industrial heart and indie soul.

In a streaming era where overproduction often rules, their induction is a reminder that purity of sound still resonates. The White Stripes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame moment celebrates not nostalgia, but timelessness — proof that honest, fearless artistry endures.

How to Watch

Fans can relive the full Rock Hall celebration on Disney+, with a highlight special airing on ABC, January 1 at 8 p.m.