Jack White: 'White Stripes 'Seven Nation Army' Nearly Wasn't Released'

Jack White has revealed that The White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army' was almost never released as a single.

The song, which is among the band's most recognisable songs, came out on 7” vinyl in 2003.

However, in an interview with XFM, White said that the band's record label XL Recordings was originally against releasing the track.

Talking about the significance of singles, White said: "It's a compelling idea, thinking about singles. Nobody knows. Record labels don't know, artists don't really know most of the time.

“I can think back to when 'Elephant' (The White Stripes' 2003 album) came out I wanted to put 'Seven Nation Army' out as a single.

“The label in England and the label in America both didn't want to. They wanted to put 'There's No Room For You Here'.

He added: “Can you imagine not putting 'Seven Nation Army' out as a single?!"

White is currently preparing for the release of his new album with side-project The Dead Weather.

Entitled 'Sea Of Cowards', the record is expected in May.