Pure Music Love

Raconteurs Reunite After Seven Years at Jack White’s Nashville Show

The Raconteurs surprised fans with a five-song reunion set during Jack White’s Nashville concert, marking their first performance together since 2019. The show celebrated the 20th anniversary of their debut album Broken Boy Soldiers.

Jack White

Photo: Erin Mc, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and printed in one ink.

The Raconteurs, the rock supergroup fronted by Jack White, made a triumphant return to the stage for the first time in nearly seven years. The reunion took place during White’s solo concert at The Truth in Nashville on a recent Saturday night, delivering an unforgettable encore that left fans buzzing.

The band—comprising White, Brenden Benson, Jack Lawrence, and Patrick Keeler—performed a five-song set that included fan favorites like "Steady, as She Goes" and "Hands," alongside deeper cuts such as "Level," "Broken Boy Soldier," and "Carolina Drama." The performance marked their first live appearance together since October 2019, when they toured in support of their third album, Help Us Stranger.

A Surprise Teased on Social Media

Earlier in the day, White had dropped a cryptic hint on Instagram, writing: "Inside info for any Raconteurs fans in the Nashville area…you might want to buy a ticket for Jack White’s show at The Truth tonight…there just might be a little surprise." The tease proved accurate, as the band’s reunion set became the highlight of the evening. The show also coincided with the grand opening of The Truth, Nashville’s newest music venue, adding to the night’s historic feel.

Celebrating 20 Years of *Broken Boy Soldiers

The reunion wasn’t just a spontaneous moment—it also tied into a larger celebration. Third Man Records, White’s label, recently announced a special Vault box set to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Raconteurs’ debut album, Broken Boy Soldiers. The reissue will include rare material, such as a recording of the band’s first-ever concert on March 20, 2006, and nine demos from the album’s era. The timing of the reunion suggests a possible promotional push for the reissue, though it remains unclear whether this performance signals more shows to come.

Who Are the Raconteurs?

For those unfamiliar, the Raconteurs formed in 2005 as a side project for White, best known as the frontman of The White Stripes, and Benson, a singer-songwriter in his own right. The band quickly gained a reputation for their raw, garage-rock sound, blending bluesy riffs with sharp lyrics. Their debut album, Broken Boy Soldiers, was a critical and commercial success, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album in 2007. They followed it up with Consolers of the Lonely in 2008 and Help Us Stranger in 2019, each album showcasing their chemistry and knack for crafting anthemic rock tracks.

What’s Next for the Band?

While Saturday’s reunion was a one-off for now, fans are hopeful it could lead to more. The Raconteurs have always been an unpredictable act, with long gaps between albums and tours. Their last album, Help Us Stranger, was released 11 years after their second record, so patience may be required. For now, the band’s appearance at The Truth has reignited excitement among longtime supporters, who are eager to see what comes next—whether it’s a full tour, new music, or simply more surprise performances.

Practical Info for Fans

  • Venue: The Truth, Nashville, Tennessee
  • Setlist Highlights: "Steady, as She Goes," "Hands," "Level," "Broken Boy Soldier," "Carolina Drama"
  • Upcoming Release: Broken Boy Soldiers 20th-anniversary Vault box set (Third Man Records)
  • Last Performance: October 2019 (tour for Help Us Stranger)

For those who missed the reunion, the Broken Boy Soldiers reissue will offer a chance to relive the band’s early days, complete with rare demos and live recordings. Whether this performance was a one-time event or the start of something bigger, it’s clear the Raconteurs still have the power to captivate audiences after all these years.

Questions fans are asking

When was the Raconteurs’ last performance before this reunion?
The Raconteurs last performed together in October 2019 during their tour in support of their third album, *Help Us Stranger*.
What songs did the Raconteurs play at their reunion show?
The band played five songs: *"Steady, as She Goes,"* *"Hands,"* *"Level,"* *"Broken Boy Soldier,"* and *"Carolina Drama."* All but one track were from their debut album, *Broken Boy Soldiers*.
Is the Raconteurs reunion part of a larger tour or album release?
It’s unclear. The reunion coincided with the announcement of a 20th-anniversary reissue of *Broken Boy Soldiers,* but no official plans for a tour or new album have been confirmed.

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