The White Stripes song “Seven Nation Army” is a staple of modern rock music and a worldwide phenomenon, born in 2002 during the Australian leg of the White Stripes world tour. The iconic “heartbeat” bass drum and the ubiquitous bass riff (which was actually a pitch-shifted guitar) became a massive hit and won Best Rock Song at the 46th Annual Grammys. The widespread rotation of the single contributed to the Garage Rock revival of the early 2000’s and has become a standard of European Football games, leading to spectators chanting the riff’s notes in unison. 

You’ve almost certainly heard this song somewhere. It transcends cultures, creeds, and languages to find it’s way into our brains and blast slide guitar solos across our synapses. 

So why a petition on change.org?

After the powerful guitar solo, Jack White sings the line:

“I’m going to Wichita,

far from this opera forevermore

I’m gonna work the straw,

make the sweat drip out of every pore”

My local rock radio stations here in Wichita Kansas play the song once in a while and when I traveled to other states and mentioned where I was from, they would say “oh like that White Stripes song”. Yeah, that’s basically the only reason you’ve ever heard of Wichita unless you’re over the age of 40 and know “Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell. 

The reason I come to you and ask for a signature is simple. Jack White has never played a show in Wichita, and as far as I know never visited. He even supposedly stated during an interview that he doesn’t want to, as it would ruin the romantic vision he has for the place. 

And so, I formally invite Jack White to Wichita Kansas. No straw working necessary. Heck, I’ll even see if we can get a plaque denoting the cultural impact the song has had on our city. (No promises) but I do promise that whether he comes for a show, to see some local acts or just to enjoy the food and drink, he will enjoy himself and barely break a sweat. 

Well, the words did bleed from me and I will think no more! Thanks for reading and I hope a Seven Nation Army never holds you back.