The White Stripes Disband!

It's not a joke.

The White Stripes are officially done. Just the other day my fiancee and I watched The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights and were talking about how awesome it would be to see them.

I guess I was too late. Or too lazy - they've been around for 13 years, what the hell did I wait for?

With just two people they crafted a resurgence in the garage rock scene, and then left it behind altogether.

Shite bands like the Von Bondies and the Hives (apologies to their fans, this is just my opinion) kept making the same records year after year.

But not Jack and Meg. They really branched out. Expanded their creative pallet, especially considering that all the creation comes from just two people. The Garage rock of "Fell in Love with a Girl", The Hard Rock of "Blue Orchid", the sexy 70's swagger of "Icky Thump", the poetic beauty of their haunting cover of "Jolene" - they really bridged the creative gap most bands never cross. They are many bands, but one band all at the same time.

Or were.

The statement on the matter from their MySpace reads:

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.

Third Man Records will continue to put of items through their Vault Subscription. A few final parting words from the band:


"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."