Photos: The White Stripes, From the Book ‘Under Great White Northern Lights’
Meg helps Jack knot a bowtie pre-show in Vancouver. "We all tried to tie it," says de Wilde, whose photo book Under Great White Northern Lights chronicles the White Stripes epic 2007 Canadian tour. "I can't remember who figured out how to do it finally. It was a combined effort, I'm sure."
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In the Cold, Cold Night
Meg outside a venue before soundcheck in Whitehorse, Canada. "It's close to evening but it's always light outside that time of year," says de Wilde.
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Flying High
The White Stripes chartered planes to get around Canada on their tour. "They were plain looking," says de Wilde. But at one airport they found one plane that was painted in the Stripes signature red and white colors. "Making a film about the Jack and Meg in Canada was perfect," says de Wilde, referring to the country's red-and-white-colored flag. "Every patriotic part of the country is just an amazing shot with the White Stripes."
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Jack’s Biggest Fans
Jack in Whitehorse, Canada post-show. "These women were on a softball team and were huge fans," says de Wilde. "And Jack asked to have one of their team's t-shirts. They were really excited that he asked to have one."
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Jack’s First Mate
Meg on a boat in Yellowknife, Canada. The band would often take afternoon excursions before every evening's gig. "Emmett [Malloy, director of the documentary] set up these great situations where we'd take pictures with landscapes," says de Wilde. "Jack and Meg were always really participating in those situations. They were great collaborators in that way."
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Rockin’ the Tots
The White Stripes perform an impromptu afternoon gig for a mother and her child at the Wildcat Cafe in Yellowknife, Canada. "The baby loved hearing them play," says de Wilde. "All kids love the White Stripes – are you kidding? They love the White Stripes and the Beatles. It's something about Meg's heartbeat rhythms and Jack's electric personality. Kids always get into it."
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A Post-Show Snooze
Jack and Meg take a rest after performing in Yellowknife, Canada. "Have you ever seen them play?" asks de Wilde. "It's crazy – it's just two people playing making so much noise. And seeing all the sweat that falls off their brows! They were exhausted!"
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Little Drummer Girl
"There's just something about Meg when she plays," says de Wilde. "She's sexual, she's passionate. She's a true rock star. There aren't many woman who are rockstars like she is."
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Seeing Red
"Jack is just thrilling to watch perform," says de Wilde. "The closer you can get to him, the better. Anyone who stands near the back at a White Stripes show is an idiot. You need to fight your way to the front."
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Beach Bums
The White Stripes take a day trip to the beach in Iqaluit, Canada. "It's all tundra up there," says de Wilde. "It's not quite the Arctic Circle but it's getting up there."
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Ship to Shore
Jack and Meg on the beach in Iqaluit, Canada. "It was the middle of summer but it was misty and really cold," says de Wilde.
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All in the Family
The White Stripes visit with the Inuit people in Inqaluit, Canada. The indigenous people shared hunting tips and told stories of growing up in igloos over a meal of raw caribou. "I couldn't eat it," says de Wilde. "The only reason I tried it was because Meg ate it and swallowed it. But she's way tougher than me."
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They Love One Another
The White Stripes celebrate their 10th anniversary on July 14, 2007 at the Savoy Theatre, Nova Scotia. "At the end of their show, there was the sound of feedback from Jack's guitar and I think his cousin was playing bagpipes," de Wilde recalls. "And he just grabbed her and they started dancing. The crowd was freaking out. It was a really emotional show."