Jack White Joins IDLES for Riot Fest Chicago Collaboration

At Riot Fest 2025 in Chicago, Jack White made a surprise guest appearance during IDLES' set, performing their song "Never Fight A Man With A Perm" in a highly energetic collaboration that thrilled the audience. The festival, which featured headliners Blink-182, Weezer, and Green Day, saw IDLES also cover Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and close with assistance from Soft Play on "Rottweiler." White, who had headlined the festival the previous day, is known for celebrating fellow musicians, recently performing with Ringo Starr and attending Nine Inch Nails shows. Meanwhile, IDLES are nearing completion of their follow-up album to 2024's "Tangk," inspired in part by their work on the soundtrack for Darren Aronofsky's film "Caught Stealing." White has also been active outside music, notably criticizing President Donald Trump's Oval Office redesign. The collaboration highlighted White's signature guitar prowess and IDLES' dynamic stage presence, marking a memorable moment in the festival's lineup.