Rock’n’roll suicide or the closest thing to it. The White Stripes have decided to end their musical lives. Jack and MegWhite have announced the dissolution of their group in a statement on their website on Wednesday: ” 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.”
No specific reason was expressed for the split of the group then, but a small consolation was given to the fans: ” 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. “
Formed in 1997 in Detroit (Michigan) by Meg and Jack White, the White Stripes released their eponymous debut album in 1999, and De Stijl in 2000. But it was their third album White Blood Cells , which allowed them to reach the public with Fell In Love With A Girl and Apple Bossom. The two White Stripes participated in the “resurrection” of the new rock wave of the century, alongside The Strokes and The Libertines.
In 2004, their fourth album Elephant was yet another popular and critical success. The song Seven Nation Army won the Grammy for best rock song of the year, and became an anthem for soccer fans.
In 2005, the White Stripes released Get Behind Me Satan, which did almost away with the electric guitar for the piano and percussion.
They returned to their more raw origins with Icky Thump, in 2007. At its release, the album reached the top 5 in Canada, England and the United States.
Concluding the statement announcing the end of their duet, Meg and Jack White write: “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.”