Keep Musicking: The White Stripes called it quits today

Jack and Meg White decided to end their 10-plus-year stint as The White Stripes. They have decided to end it on their own terms and the time they determined. It's rather classier than bands who so often try to keep going and exhaust and/or exhasperate their dwindling following.

The White Stripes developed a certain mystique by declaring they were brother and sister when they were, in fact, married. Then they were divorced. And then it was weird but cool that they were still making music together. It was weird and cool that they made purposely lo-fi recordings in an increasingly hi-tech world showcasing a retro style which mixed country, punk, and blues as was often done in the 1980s. Along the way of their career, they included a ballet composition and an orchestrally oriented album.

Jack White will continue with The Dead Weather and his ex-wife's last name. It's cool but weird. Included is the entire statement from www.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 o 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