Jack White turns philosophy lecturer

Jack White was the surprise guest of honour at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, on Sunday night. He was there to receive an honorary patronage from the University's Philosophical Society which dates back to the 17th century and boasts Bram Stoker, J.B. Yeats and Oscar Wilde as past members. Previous honorary patrons include U2's The Edge, Sir Bob Geldof, Al Pacino and Oliver Stone.

According to NME, "Students who were expecting a straightforward interview seemed surprised by White’s sophisticated engagement with philosophy, and theories on anxiety and authenticity."

On the subject of authenticity...

"I don’t know if Bob Dylan or Tom Waits are as authentic as I think they are. Perhaps they’re not... Sometimes you start thinking that maybe Britney Spears or someone like that who’s doing exactly what they want to do in the way that they best know how, is more authentic than any of those people you could mention."

Hmmm... something to mull over as I reassess that horrible Bond theme. Thanks, Jack.

More intriguingly, White also got all Willy Wonka on their asses by revealing the existence of a hidden run of EPs by his former band The Upholsterers, back when he used to work in a Detroit upholstery shop. During his shifts he hid the EPs, recorded on clear vinyl and then encased in a transparent covering, in 100 pieces of furniture.

"They could be records that will never be found, ever," reported NME. Perhaps because he wasn't being very authentic when he said this, suggests Pitchfork, saying this is "the type of thing Dylan would say in his wily 1960s press conference prime."

Here is the moment White, currently touring the UK with The Dead Weather, accepted his honorary patronage while dressed, appropriately enough, as Bram Stoker's great-great-grand-daughter...