Jack White: 'John Peel was the most important DJ who has ever lived'

To mark the ten year anniversary of John Peel's death, Jack White has described the broadcaster as “the most important DJ who has ever lived”.

Peel famously described the Detroit duo as "the most exciting band since punk or Jimi Hendrix" during their first trip to the UK in the summer of 2001 and White has always been keen to return the favour.

In the new issue of Mojo Magazine, White credits Peel with introducing his band to the UK audience. “It was mind-boggling to us, because we thought the only people who liked us were a few hundred people in America" White explains. "When he started playing our songs we were, like, ‘That’s unbelievable!’”

Unsurprisingly Peel and White had a huge amount of music in common when they first met to record a Peel session in July 2001, with the pair bonding over a mutual appreciation of Gene Vincent, Captain Beefheart and old blues records.

White also discussed recording in the hallowed ground of Peel Acres. “Having us in his home showed just how much he loved music,” says White, who flew from America to attend the DJ’s funeral on November 12, 2004. “He really knew what good music was.”

Jack White's upcoming UK tour dates are below. Tickets are on sale now. For more information visit here.

17/11/14 - Leeds, UK - Arena
18/11/14 - Glasgow, Scotland - Hyrdro
19/11/14 - London, UK - O2 Arena