There’s been lots of internet chatter about Jack White declaring that he’ll no longer do shows at the University of Oklahoma, with his booking agency joining in blacklisting the college from getting any other name acts–and all because the reporters at the university’s newspaper The Oklahoma Daily published Jack White’s top-secret guacamole recipe. [photo: Christopher Polk/Getty]
Which isn’t exactly true, but sounds more fun than saying that Jack White got upset over The Oklahoma Daily publishing the details on his contract for his Monday, February 2nd performance at the University of Oklahoma, including details on his contract rider that list how the touring folks should be fed.
There wasn’t really anything embarrassing in the contract. Jack White was performing for a very reasonable fee, and the rider didn’t have any kind of insane diva requests. We bet that Ryan Adams would suffer a lot more if those kinds of details were released about his contracts.
There is a chance that the William Morris Entertainment agency is still going to blacklist the University of Oklahoma, though. Their job is to protect clients with stupid requests in their riders. Jack’s people, however, have put out an official statement that’s pretty cool:
To the students and staff of University of Oklahoma:
Jack White would love to thank all the concert attendees at his performance at the University of Oklahoma. The crowd was incredible and Mr. White played an extensive two and a half hour show for them. The students who helped organize the event were wonderful. Playing in, and for, the people of Oklahoma is one of Jack White’s favorite tour stops. At no time did Jack White or White’s management say that we would never play there again, that is untrue.
The incidents with the OU Daily student newspaper reporting the financial terms of the show, the private tour rider information, along with unsolicited photographers from their staff were unfortunate, unprofessional, and very unwelcoming. The show was one of many on this tour directed at playing for university students in their own environment. And the band were all completely thrilled with the performance and the crowd.
Incidentally, the most important function of a rider is that it lays out optimal technical specifications to ensure the audience has the best experience possible. For that, Jack hires a team of very qualified touring professionals who write the rider and attempt to execute a professional and pleasant experience for all involved. Part of that is making sure that the tour personnel of about 30 people plus the local venue staff are fed. Contrary to what some believe, Jack doesn’t write the rider nor make demands about his favorite snacks that must be in his dressing room. We’re not even sure he likes guacamole but we do know that the folks who work hard to put on the show do enjoy it.
(By the way, now that’s it out there, we recommend you try Lalo’s guacamole recipe. It’s delicious.)
We hope those present for Mr. White’s performance are able to maintain their good memories from the experience and he looks forward to seeing them again soon.
And here’s that recipe, which we were originally going to publish in the name of brave investigative journalism, anyway…
Jack White Guacamole (double all portions if serving a band)
- 4 large ripe Haas avocados, cut chunky
- 2 Vine-ripened tomatoes (diced)
- 1/4 Yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 bunch of cilantro (chopped)
- 2 Serrano peppers (de-veined and chopped)
- 1/2 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, do not to mush the avocados excessively. Test for taste. Add the avocado pits and smooth the top of the guacamole with a spoon or spatula. Add additional lime juice to cover surface of guacamole. Cover and refrigerate until served. Do not share.
