KEY POINTS:
The White Stripes played an unlikely gig for an audience of Chelsea pensioners.
The US duo performed an acoustic set to the delight - if slight bemusement - of a group of veterans in the plush confines of the Royal Chelsea Hospital in London.
An emotional Jack told the Chelsea pensioners: "Besides letting us in to our home, we want to thank you for the service you've done your country and the rest of the world, especially the United States of America."
When asked about the unlikely gig, Jack replied: "You should talk to these guys instead. They've got so many stories."
The duo performed six songs in front of a seated audience of Chelsea pensioners, who were wearing their traditional red jackets and military decorations.
Although most of the elderly gentlemen were unfamiliar with the music of their rock star visitors, they clapped along enthusiastically to the closing sequence of cover versions, including an old ballad called You Belong To Me.
One Chelsea pensioner, 60-year-old Brian Wells, said: "I remember it from when I was serving out in Malaya. But these youngsters more than did it justice. I think they're fantastic."
The White Stripes decided to offer the pensioners a matinee show ahead of their gig at the Rivoli Ballroom in south London.
