“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.”
They go on to emphasise that, “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,” quelling fans’ possible fears that Meg’s well documented acute anxiety problems, which caused a halt to the band’s last tour in 2007, eventually leading to its cancellation, were in any way to blame for the unexpected split. Or inamicability, for that matter.
The pair cite, “…A myriad of reasons,” saying that is, “…mostly to preserve What [sic] is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way.” As well as this, they thank their fans for their un-relenting support during their both “intense and incredible career,” while also giving a future ray of hope to their legions of fans, by promising that their unreleased tracks will not become dust covered and forgotten, but will be released at some point in the future.
They end the statement by saying that they:
“…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.”
And, by giving over ownership of all that is The White Stripes to said fans with these upbeat parting words:
“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.
The White Stripes, who came to being in 1997, rocked our world for 14 glorious years. They leave as their legacy six studio albums — The White Stripes
This was originally published on February 2, 2011, and could be seen, in edited form (when the site was still up), here.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
April Barry 