Feb 02, ’11: Groundhog Does Not See Shadow; White Stripes Call It Quits

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.

Meg and Jack want to thank every one of their fans and admirers for the incredible support they have given throughout the 13 plus years of the White Stripes’ intense and incredible career.

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.

Both Meg and Jack 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.

With that in mind the band have this to say:

“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.”

Sincerely,
Meg and Jack White
The White Stripes

At this time I would like to thank the White Stripes for playing Al’s Bar in the Downtown Arts District, Summer 2000, for a meager $5 cover. Pre-Spaceland. I was new to town. I, alongside maybe 20 or 30 other people there, really enjoyed the show – their first Los Angeles show. I didn’t go to see the Stripes again at Spaceland a few months later when they returned to town, as by that time their door cover had jumped all the way up to $8. So, thanks for the memories, guys. I bought your first album, I believe directly from Meg, for $10. Al’s closed a month later. As a result of these occurrences in my mind Al’s Bar was and will forever be the greatest small venue in Los Angeles’ modern age. May Al’s, and the White Stripes, and the Groundhog’s 2011 Shadow™ all rest the hell in peace and live on in our minds on this day, February 02, 2011, and forever more.

» The White Stripes (official broken-up band site)