Fell in Love with a Band: The Story of the White Stripes - Paperback

by Chris Handyside (Author)

With only two members and no bass player the White Stripes certainly seemed like the ultimate makeshift band. So how is it that this enigmatic couple--who publicize themselves as brother and sister though official documents say they're ex-husband-and-wife--became a multi-platinum musical sensation? From their early days as the darlings of Detroit rock scene to their current status as MTV celebs, they've defied expectations every step of the way. How did it happen that the simple idea of staying true to a lo-fi, blues-based sound became a revolutionary idea in the age digital conformity and complex studio production?

Front Jacket

The White Stripes-with their bold red and white peppermint aesthetic and milkfed pale good looks-don't look like just another garage band. And with only two members and no bass player, they certainly seemed like the ultimate makeshift band. But instead this dynamic duo have come embody the DIY spirit of indie rock. How is it that this enigmatic couple-they refer to one another as brother and sister yet official documents say they're ex-husband-and-wife-became a multi-platinum musical sensation? From their early days as the darlings of the fertile Detroit rock scene to their current status as crush-worthy MTV-era celebrities, they've defied expectations every step of the way. How did it happen that the simple idea of staying true to a lo-fi, blues-based sound become a revolutionary notion in the age digital conformity and complex studio production? Maybe it's their unique style-wearing only red and white where ever they appear. Maybe they were just a breath of fresh-air, injecting pop music with the dose of rock it needed at exactly the right time. Whatever it is, there is no doubt that the White Stripes are a bonafide music sensation.

Fell In Love With a Band: The Story of the White Stripes is the first biography by a Detroit journalist who has followed the career of the Detroit based group since their inception in 1997. From Meg White's first novice attempts at banging the drums to their current incarnation as the face of indie rock. With never before seen photos and exclusive interviews with members of Detroit bands like Blanche, The Von Bondies and other people close to the Whites, Fell In Love With a Band gets to the heart of this enigmatic rock band and for the first time tells the real story of their rise to fame and the power behind their sound.

Back Jacket

The White Stripes-with their bold red and white peppermint aesthetic and milkfed pale good looks-don't look like just another garage band. And with only two members and no bass player, they certainly seemed like the ultimate makeshift band. But instead this dynamic duo have come embody the DIY spirit of indie rock. How is it that this enigmatic couple-they refer to one another as brother and sister yet official documents say they're ex-husband-and-wife-became a multi-platinum musical sensation? From their early days as the darlings of the fertile Detroit rock scene to their current status as crush-worthy MTV-era celebrities, they've defied expectations every step of the way. How did it happen that the simple idea of staying true to a lo-fi, blues-based sound become a revolutionary notion in the age digital conformity and complex studio production? Maybe it's their unique style-wearing only red and white where ever they appear. Maybe they were just a breath of fresh-air, injecting pop music with the dose of rock it needed at exactly the right time. Whatever it is, there is no doubt that the White Stripes are a bonafide music sensation.

Author Biography

Chris Handyside is one of the most prominent Detroit rock journalist on the scene today. His work, including extended features about the White Stripes, the Von Bondies and the Detroit music scene, have appeared in Spin, Rolling Stone and Mojo. He served as music and arts editor for Detroit alternative newsweekly the Metro Times. He currently lives in Ferndale, MI with his wife and son.