Such has been the irresistible rise of the White Stripes that it is easy to forget just what unlikely stars they are. Only three years ago the Detroit duo seemed destined to the cul-de-sac of critics’ favourites: their raw, stripped-down garage rock was not anyone’s idea of mainstream chart fodder, while the ambiguous sister/lover relationship between frontman Jack White and drummer Megan White added to the cult status. It is a testament to the impact of 2003’s album Elephant that they should become chart-toppers. Nowadays, thanks to his relationship with Renee Zellweger, Jack White has become a bona fide celebrity. One hopes fame doesn’t dim his startling live presence.
Marlay Park, Dublin, Tue 2.40pm, €55 (0818 719300); Botanic Gardens, Belfast, Wed 4pm, £33 (0870 2434455)