While everyone knows Motown originated in Detroit, not everyone remembers that the White Stripes also hail from here. Though the duo (formerly husband and wife) split three years ago and Jack White now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, his love for Detroit lingers. In June 2013, the rocker paid $142,000 in back taxes to stop a foreclosure on the nearly 100-year-old Detroit Masonic Temple (themasonic.com), where his mother once worked as an usher and where he has played many times. For his generosity, the Cathedral Theater in the Temple is being renamed the Jack White Theater. Below are the venues where the Stripes cut their teeth, and the best places to tap into up-and-coming local bands such as Zoos of Berlin, described as "artful pop" by one local reviewer; Tyvek, for "a proto punk bed of rolling funk and riff"; and Osborn (otherwise, Ted Osborn) for "zonked out deep-house grooves".
The Magic Stick
Still one of Detroit's top live music venues (among others Kings of Leon, Sleigh Bells and The Kills have played here), this was one of the first places The White Stripes showcased their garage rock sound (apparently Jack stormed off on one occasion because the light wasn't shining the right colour on him). There are two stages and a rooftop patio called the Alley Deck, plus a historic bowling alley on the first floor below the club, if you're bored by the band's sound.
• 4140 Woodward Avenue, majesticdetroit.com
Old Miami
The White Stripes regularly played in this unassuming student bar/club decorated with military paraphernalia (a homage to Vietnam veterans) and vintage sofas and chairs. Since opening in 1979 it has been, and continues to be, a big part of the local music scene.
• 3930 Cass Avenue, +1 313 831 3830, Facebook page
Paycheck's Lounge
A short drive from downtown Detroit is Paycheck's which, for the past three decades, has played host to countless Detroit bands from The Stripes to the Romantics. Red and yellow lights adorn the stage while year-round Christmas lights cover the bar area. Known as one of the best places in Detroit to hear alternative music, 90% of the bands that play here hail from Michigan.
• 2932 Caniff, Hamtramck, paycheckslounge.com
The Magic Bag
This former cinema, also a short drive from the city, has an intimate feel (300 capacity) and is popular with hipsters wanting to hear new music. When the White Stripes played here, they were once accidentally billed as the Light Strikes.
• 22920 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, themagicbag.com
