News The White Stripes Split

The White Stripes have announced that after over a decade together they've split, and will not record any new material nor play live.

The full statement is up on their website, but here's the important bit:

'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.'

And here's what the band have said: '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 duo - Jack and Meg White - formed the band in 1997, and released six albums in total: 'The White Stripes' (1999), 'De Stijl' (2000), 'White Blood Cells' (2001), 'Elephant' (2003), 'Get Behind Me Satan' (2005) and 'Icky Thump' (2007).