White Stripes announce the end of the road

The beauty of art and music is one that can last forever if people want it to: White Stripes.

LOS ANGELES: The White Stripes announced their demise as a band on  Wednesday, denying any differences or lack of enthusiasm but saying they want their music to be remembered at its best.

Jack White and Meg White, known for their raw mix of punk and blues in songs like “Seven Nation Army,” asked their fans not to be disappointed, because “the beauty of art and music is one that can last forever if people want it to”.

“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 said in a statement on their website.

“The reason is not due to artistic differences or lack of wanting to continue, or any health issues as both Meg and Jack are feeling fine and in good health.”

Rather, they said: “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.”

Their label, Third Man Records, would continue to put out unreleased live and studio recordings, they said. The band’s “garage” rock music style was showcased on hit albums including White Blood Cells and Elephant.

Jack White has a successful side musical project, The Racounteurs, and has also appeared on screen in the award-winning 2003 movie Cold Mountain. The band has also featured in “The Simpsons” television series.

The pair added 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 have shared in those creations, with their feelings considered greatly,” they said.

“The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do whatever you want with it. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to,”reiterated their website.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2011.