Full Breakdown
Jack White and Chris Robinson Deliver Surprise Free Cover in Chicago
7/25/2026, 1:19:30 PM
The Surprise Collaboration
On July 23, Jack White invited Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson onstage at the Radius venue in Chicago. The two musicians performed a raucous rendition of “I’m a Mover,” the opening track from side two of Free’s 1969 debut album *Tons of Sobs*. The performance was captured on video and shared online, highlighting White’s shift from his usual double duty as vocalist and guitarist to a lead-guitar focus while Robinson handled the vocals.
Tour Context and Setlist Choices
White’s appearance was part of the eighth show of his 2026 North-American summer tour, which began on July 10—the same day he released his eighth solo album, *Frozen Charlotte*. The tour is marketed as “phone-free,” yet White employed a personal videographer to document the surprise guest spot. In addition to the Free cover, White’s set included a blues rendition of Robert Johnson’s “Phonograph Blues,” underscoring the blues-rock mood of the evening.
Venue and Audience Details
The Radius venue, with a capacity of roughly 4,000, hosted a sold-out crowd for the collaboration. Both sources describe the audience response as “electric” and “raucous,” noting the rarity of such deep-cut performances on a mainstream rock tour.
Upcoming Dates
Following the Chicago show, White’s itinerary continues with a July 24 outdoor concert at The Salt Shed in Chicago, Illinois, and a July 25 performance at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan. The tour is slated to extend into the fall, with additional stops in Europe, the United Kingdom, and further U.S. venues.
Reception and Significance
Commentators have highlighted the surprise pairing as a standout moment of the tour, emphasizing White’s willingness to foreground blues influences and to feature unexpected guest artists. The collaboration reinforces the tour’s reputation for deep-cut selections and showcases White’s ongoing commitment to live-only, phone-free experiences while still documenting memorable moments for fans.
