Jack White at The Mayan Theatre: A Rock 'n' Roll Revival in an Intimate Setting

On October 11th, 2024, Jack White transformed Los Angeles' Mayan Theatre into a rock 'n' roll sanctuary, delivering a performance that was as intimate as it was electrifying. With the venue’s 1,300-person capacity, the atmosphere felt personal and intense, allowing the audience to experience White's magnetic stage presence up close.

While White kept the setlist unpredictable, a standout moment came early in the night when he performed “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground,” joined by Money Mark on keyboards, adding a fresh and textured layer to the familiar song. The energy in the room only intensified as the night went on, with White effortlessly moving between tracks from his extensive catalog.

Carla Azar, formerly a drummer in White’s band as one of The Peacocks, made a surprise appearance to play drums on “I’m Slowly Turning Into You,” her powerful performance elevating the track and showcasing the kind of spontaneous magic that defines a Jack White show.

Adding to the sense of unpredictability, White entertained the crowd with his quirky impersonations of Donald Trump, sarcastically declaring, “They’re eating cats, they’re eating dogs,” much to the audience's amusement. These humorous asides, combined with White’s relentless musicianship, made for a night that was both playful and deeply immersive.

White’s latest album, No Name, has been hailed as one of the best releases of 2024, and the songs from this new record blended seamlessly into the set, proving that White’s creativity continues to evolve. Each new track fit perfectly alongside his classics, reinforcing the idea that Jack White remains a driving force in modern rock.

The night ended on a high note with a powerful rendition of The Raconteurs’ “Steady, As She Goes,” sending the audience into a frenzy as the final chords rang out. White’s performance at The Mayan not only highlighted his incredible versatility but also left fans with the undeniable feeling that rock ‘n’ roll is still alive—and thriving—under his command.

Photo: David James Swanson

Words: Tina de la Celle