Rise to Stardom

The White Stripes hit it big in 2001 with the release of their third album White Blood Cells. It was released on V2 records and was the first of their albums to be released on a major record label. Their sudden surge of fame was due in part to a DJ in the UK who got the band publicity by playing their stuff on the air and praising the band for their talent. Another key element was the innovative lego-themed music video for "Fell in Love with a Girl" that was directed by Michel Gondry.

The band's fourth album to be released was Elephant, and was released on April 1 2003. It drew in even more success than "White Blood cells" for its hit song "Seven Nation Army." Elephant won the White Stripes a Grammy Award in 2004 for Best Alternative Music Album, and "Seven Nation Army" won them a Grammy for Best Rock Song.

The White Stripes' first concert DVD was released in 2004, and is entited Under Blackpool Lights. The film was shot entirely using 16mm film to give the DVD an old concert footage effect. There are a number of Easter eggs throughout the DVD, and Jack White alerted fans on his web site to keep their eyes open. One example of this is the fact that Jack has the word "NOXIOUS" written on his right arm. Later in the concert, it changes to "OBNOXIOUS" and back to "NOXIOUS" several times. This was possible because the DVD is actually a compilation of two back to back concerts in Blackpool, England.