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A "Seven Nation Army" Can't Hold Back Italian Soccer

Standing atop the soccer world after their victory over France in the World Cup final, the Italian soccer team adopted "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes as their unofficial rallying cry. Team member Francesco Totti led his cohorts in a rousing chant of the song's distinctive guitar riff following their win, reportedly involving 500,000 adoring fans. Alessandro Del Piero and Marco Materazzi even joined The Rolling Stones during the band's stop in Milan -- where "Seven Nation Army" was again trotted out, with customized "We are the champion"-style lyrics added.

Jack White has been known to be a little fickle about how his music is used, so what did he think of these frolicking Italians turning his tune into a sports anthem?

"I am honored that the Italians have adopted this song as their own," White said. "Nothing is more beautiful than when people embrace a melody and allow it to enter the pantheon of folk music. As a songwriter it is something impossible to plan. Especially in modern times. I love that most people who are chanting it have no idea where it came from. That's folk music."

White was apparently not asked whether he would be keeping the song on set lists during future tours in France. But a tour of any sort for The White Stripes appears to be on the back burner for a while longer, as White recently announced that his next project would likely be a second record with his other band, The Raconteurs.

--The ARTISTdirect Staff
07.13.06