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Chelsea pensioners rock out with The White Stripes
Last updated at 23:37pm on 12.06.07It must count as one of the most unlikely rock shows of all time.
The venue was the plush oak-panelled State Apartments within the Royal Chelsea Hospital where Mozart once performed.
And the audience consisted of the Chelsea pensioners, the old soldiers for whom the hospital is now home - and who seemed delighted, if a little bemused, to be entertained by The White Stripes.
Perhaps in deference to their surroundings, the U.S. rock band - consisting of Jack and Meg White - confined themselves to an acoustic set.
The White Stripes performed an acoustic set for the old soldiers
The duo's new album, Icky Thump, is strongly influenced by all things British - its title is derived from the Yorkshire phrase 'ecky thump - and the band decided to offer the pensioners an afternoon matinee.
They were unlikely to be so restrained at the show at the Rivoli Ballroom in South London, all the profits from which will be donated to the Chelsea Pensioners' Appeal and be put towards a new infirmary for the site.
Jack seemed moved to be playing before such a distinguished audience.
"Thanks for letting us into your home, we really appreciate it," he told the pensioners, before telling them how grateful he was for the contribution they had made during the wars.
If the residents weren't aware of the White Stripes' global appeal ahead of the concert, they were certainly sold by the end.
"Fantastic! Normally we only get the odd carol service in here," said Paddy Fox.
The image of Rita Hayworth, emblazoned across Jack's guitar, also helped the two groups to bond.
"If I remember who she is, I know you guys do," he said.
Reader views (2)
I used to live at the RH (my father worked there) and you should not be fooled in thinking these men are old farts! They are so cool and know alot about current affairs and culture as many of them have grand children. I am glad the White Stripes did this as they probably were a bit bored of the usual stereotypical old folk music! I do think that bands should do this a lot as its very stimulating for old folk. Good on you JB!
- Cj, London, UK
Why only an acoustic set? I'm not a Chelsea Pensioner but I am the right age and it worries me that, unlike other musical forms, there seems to be an assumption that with rock or pop you "grow out of it" or become too old. I think that the White Stripes are at their best with their more manic songs, with lots of electric feedback. How about a thrash metal concert for the old'uns, maybe without the diving into the audience bit?
- Roger Vincent, Leamington Spa, UK
