Why Jack White Claimed Meg White as His Sister and Not His Wife

The Jackson 5, The Everly Brothers, and The Bee Gees are just a few of the most reputable family groups of all time. To have a family band is both a great opportunity for heightened musical chemistry and arguably, marketability. Regarding the latter, Jack White and Meg White of The White Stripes did not utilize this tactic to sell records. Rather, it was to keep their relationship out of the public eye.

When The White Stripes reached the height of their fame in 2002, Jack and Meg White were the hottest “familial” group to hit the industry in decades. Between songs such as “Seven Nation Army” and “We’re Going To Be Friends,” the band was a staple of the early ‘2000s. However, before the height of their fame, the then-spouse got a divorce and crafted one of the best-kept secrets in Rock ‘n’ Roll history.

The White Stripes Reason For Secrecy

Given The White Stripes fandom in the early ‘2000s, the two wanted fans to focus solely on their music. That being so, when the two divorced in 2000, they tricked everyone and stayed out of the gossip columns. However, it frankly did quite the opposite as many publications became motivated to get to the bottom of the story. They eventually did as Jack and Meg White’s marriage was revealed by a Detroit Newspaper in 2002.

Despite the findings, the ultimate reason for the group’s secrecy came down to one thing—Musical reputation. “When you see a band that is two pieces, husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, you think, ‘Oh, I see’” and “When they’re brother and sister, you go, ‘Oh, that’s interesting,’” White told Rolling Stone. He also added, “You care more about the music, not the relationship.”

By saying they were siblings The White Stripes fans stayed focused on their music and not their romance. Even though their secret was discovered, The White Stripes were impressively able to fool the world for a solid two years. Consequently, their music’s quality was not tarnished by their relationship. After their secret became public, the group played together for nine years until they broke up in 2011.

Yes, Jack and Meg lied, but above all their lie didn’t hurt anyone—but maybe themselves. So, for some, it may seem justifiable, as it protected their musical persona and self-dignity. To many, it’s also just a great story and one of the most shell-shocking moments in rock ‘n’ roll history.

Photo ANP/Paul Bergen