The White Stripes would like to announce that today, February 2nd, 2011, their band has officially ended and will make no further new recordings or perform live.
The reason is not due to artistic differences or lack of wanting to continue, nor any health issues as both Meg and Jack are feeling fine and in good health.
It is for a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve What is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way.
Meg and Jack want to thank every one of their fans and admirers for the incredible support they have given throughout the 13 plus years of the White Stripes’ intense and incredible career.
Third Man Records will continue to put out unreleased live and studio recordings from The White Stripes in their Vault Subscription record club, as well as through regular channels.
Both Meg and Jack hope this decision isn’t met with sorrow by their fans but that it is seen as a positive move done out of respect for the art and music that the band has created. It is also done with the utmost respect to those fans who’ve shared in those creations, with their feelings considered greatly.
With that in mind the band have this to say:
“The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful.”
Sincerely,
Meg and Jack White
The White Stripes
The White Stripes have certainly left their mark on modern music. Beyond the rawness of their garage rock, blues and punk leanings, the Stripes showed that a rock duo could get the job done without additional players. Jack’s raucous and tasty guitar was complemented by Meg’s understated drumming; we’ve all heard the slams against Meg’s abilities, but musicians learn to play off each other to the benefit of the song, not to outdo each other.
The timing of this news feels funny to me, given that I was just talking about the Stripes’ influence while seeing yet another guitar and drums–only band on TV the other night.
Sounds like we’ll be getting more Stripes music from the vaults moving forward, which is some consolation to fans, but we’ll all miss the live experience that Jack and Meg delivered with such energy.
The White StripesThe White Stripes - We’re Going To Be Friends (2001)
See also:
VIDEO: Jack White, Wanda Jackson rock Conan
VIDEO: Jack White, Wanda Jackson rock Letterman
VIDEO: Wanda Jackson & Jack White cover Bob Dylan
