The White Stripes bow out gracefully...

Today the world says goodbye to The White Stripes after they posted the following message on their official website:

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 Stripe

However daunting or upsetting this news may be, I think we shall do as the band requests; appreciate what the band has done for the music industry in the past and relish in the art and experience that is The White Stripes. Believe me, there is a lot to appreciate!

The White Stripes took the world by storm with their minimalist, blues influenced rock sound. Complimented by a unique and consistent aesthetic of only red, white, and black colors, it was clear from the beginning that Jack & Meg White were to be remembered. Their 4^th album Elephant put The White Stripes on the map not just as a good band, but perhaps a legendary duo!

Despite some controversy pertaining to their relationship, and Jack White’s busy schedule with side projects, the Stripes kept us thoroughly entertained for just about a decade!

Their sound has yet to be harnessed by any other group and their spontaneous live sets shocked the world from start to finish. They were the first band to embark on a full Canadian tour. Not only hitting all provinces in Canada but surprising small towns with secret performances and even a 1-Note Show! This Canadian voyage was documented in the award winning feature film Under Great White Northern Lights.  

The dynamic duo constantly challenged themselves to do new things, consistently using damaged or poor quality instruments. No set lists were ever used for their live shows and Jack never cranked out a solo that wasn’t absolutely one of a kind. Meg bashed her drums like the tops to trash cans and her quiet, introverted nature was the perfect complement to Jack’s unorthodox and outward genius.

Never can enough be said about The White Stripes and the legacy they’ll certainly leave behind.

God Blessed The Stripes…