February 3, 2011

My sister thanks you, and I thank you. Goodnight.

I may or may not write more about this later, still processing how I feel about it.  In the grand scheme of things, it's not monumental.  It's not even a surprise.  But the emotional impact this band has had on the people who connected with their music is a special, special thing.  This announcement is gracefully worded, yet so utterly sad in its finality...


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


A fellow Stripes fan summed it up best on her Facebook profile by quoting the way Jack ended so many of the band's shows:

"My sister thanks you, and I thank you. Goodnight."








4 comments:

  1. hi tam,

    please take some time and do write about it. your so good at it. i just got back from vegas and seriously considered getting a ws tattoo. now i'm kinda sad i didn't. i may now for sure. like you say it's not a surprise but it's so final and i am so sad today. and no one around me gets it. tws changed my life and i'm forever grateful for that. i need to concentrate on gratitude today.

    xo
    janet

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  2. Hi Janet,
    At least your sons understand to some degree, and your gratitude certainly needs to extend to the one who helped you discover the Stripes. It'd be wonderful if some day you felt comfortable writing about that, it's a beautiful story :)

    Hugs to you,
    T.

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  3. http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2011/02/10_bands_who_should_break_up.php

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  4. Hah! If only. But, on the other hand, the Stripes did the same thing that Soundgarden did-- Brought it to an end on their terms, before there was a chance for it to disintegrate and become retreaded crap. Have to respect them for that.

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