It’s official: The White Stripes broke up
The White Stripes (Jack White and Meg White) signed a note on their website today – announcing their official split – by saying, “The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want.”
I guess this is big news, although Jack White has been working on, it seems, everything but the White Stripes for the past few years. As evidenced by his “side” projects the Raconteurs and the Dead Weather, and more recently the fact that he opened a physical location for his Third Man Records in Nashville, produced Wanda Jackson’s latest record, etc. I imagine there were fans out there holding out hope that the White Stripes were still planning on a new album at some point, but this split puts the period at the end of that sentence.
Now for the full note from whitestripes.com:
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
We can only hope this means both will just be on to bigger and better things. This is still a great video: