Yesterday (February 2), after 14 years, American alternative rock duo The White Stripes officially announced the end of the band, stating on their website that they “will make no further new recordings or perform live.”
The duo, which hadn’t performed live since their appearance on Late Night with Conan O’Brien on February 20, 2009, stated the break up had nothing to do with artistic differences or health issues. They explained it was for “a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way.”
The letter goes on to say that their label Third Man Records will continue to issue “unreleased live and studio recordings from the White Stripes.” Signed by Meg and Jack White, the statement focuses on an appreciation of their fans, who should view the break up “as a positive move done out of respect for the art and music that the band has created.”
The White Stripes were formed in 1997 in Detroit, Michigan with songwriter Jack White (vocals, guitar, and keyboards) and drummer Meg White (drums and occasional vocals). Jack and Meg White married in 1996, and divorced in 2000. In 2002, they rose to prominence with successful albums White Blood Cells and Elephant that drew a large amount of media attention in the U.S. and the U.K. The band’s last three albums each won the Grammy Award for best alternative music album.