White May Face Assault Rap

Detroit police are investigating a December 13th fight between the White Stripes' Jack White and Jason Stollsteimer -- frontman for another Motor City band, the Von Bondies -- and may file assault charges against the former.

Though White, 28, produced a Von Bondies record in 2001, he and Stollsteimer, 25, had a falling out since its release. Both were at the Magic Stick nightclub attending a record release party for local band Blanche. According to Stollsteimer, White grew angry when the Von Bondie refused to speak with him and pulled him to the ground. According to a police report, White "proceeded to punch him on the right eye approximately seven times" before fleeing to the rear of the venue.

White's account differs somewhat, as he claims that he and Stollsteimer were having a conversation when Stollsteimer pulled him to the ground and began hitting him, prompting White to throw punches "in defense of himself."

White sustained cuts on his left hand, while Stollsteimer suffered a swollen right eye and a bloody nose. Both filed complaints with police, though neither have been charged.

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Song Stories

“Time to Pretend”

MGMT | 2008

Listening to MGMT’s breakthrough song, one might interpret it as being about the excesses of rock stardom, but it’s actually about the duo’s pet praying mantis. Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden told Rolling Stone they got the idea from the insect's jerky movements. The mantis died, but the two bandmates kept the egg sack and allowed the hundreds of eggs to hatch. “We tried to name them all, but they died after a day,” said Goldwasser, with VanWyngarden chiming in, “But the praying mantis dance inspired us.”

More Song Stories entries »

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