Chicago is notoriously rough on rats. Despite relentless efforts—including poison baiting, feral cat programs, and experimental rodent birth control initiatives—Chicago has ranked as America’s #1 rattiest city for ten consecutive years!
When Jack White released the song “Rough On Rats” shortly before playing in Chicago, I saw an opportunity for an unconventional street-level campaign—placing posters not inside concert venues, but in nearby alleys, on sanitation bins, and along streets where rats roam.
Adapting Chicago’s recognizable “TARGET: RATS” sign, these posters became hidden treasures for fans attending Jack’s Fall ’24 gigs at Reggies and The Metro, and his Spring ’25 shows at The Salt Shed. On each date, I secretly placed posters near the venues, sharing hints on social media, inviting fans to hunt, find, and swipe them.
Every poster was unique, with the date handwritten in Sharpie—some personally penned by Jack White himself.
Printed at Kinkos and intended purely as giveaways, these posters have become coveted collectibles.
PROJECT COLLABORATORS
Craig Badynee
Howell Malham
Jack White