Jack White was reportedly furious after the student newspaper at the University of Oklahoma disclosed his $80,000 performance guarantee and rider, which included a recipe for homemade guacamole that was requested for White’s crew as well as a New York strip steak dinner.
During the performance, White called out the newspaper for publishing the full performance contract while admonishing an argumentative student in the audience.
“Just because you can type it on your computer doesn’t make it right.”
Chris Spargo of the Daily Mail reported that White was guaranteed $80,000 versus 90 percent of ticket sales, which had the potential to net White a little over $147,000. White also apparently requested that the university prepare guacamole to the strict adherence of a provided recipe as well as declaring the tour a “no banana tour,” stating that White and his crew did not want to see a banana anywhere in the building.
Consequence of Sound reported that White, as well as all other talents represented by White’s talent agency, William Morris, have enacted an indefinite ban from performing at the university due to their poor treatment and breach of White’s trust. COS further reports that while White later backed away from confirming the reported ban, the iconic singer was most annoyed at the public disclosure of the financial details as well as the beloved guacamole recipe
White’s management issued a statement via the singer’s website.
“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.”
Thursday night, White appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon performing “That Bat Black Licorice,” and will appear on tonight’s broadcast of the 57th Grammy Awards on CBS and streaming live on the internet. The show starts at 8 p.m.
And apparently, now that is is out in the public, White’s camp encourages fans to try the guac.
“We recommend you try Lalo’s guacamole recipe. It’s delicious.”