Die Band, bestehend aus Mastermind Jack White und Schlagzeugerin Meg White, hat heute auf ihrer offiziellen Website ein Statement zur Auflösung der Band veröffentlicht. Es seien weder persönliche oder künstlerische Differenzen noch gesundheitliche Probleme für die Trennung ausschlaggebend gewesen. Vielmehr wollen beide Mitglieder The White Stripes in positiver Erinnerung für sich behalten und haben sich darum zu diesem Schritt entschlossen.

Seit der Veröffentlichung ihres sechsten Studioalbums 'Icky Thump' im Jahr 2007 war es sehr ruhig um die Band geworden. Einzig Jack White machte sporadisch durch diverse Nebenprojekte (u.a. The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather) auf sich aufmerksam. Ihren grössten kommerziellen Erfolg feierten die White Stripes mit ihrer Single 'Seven Nation Army'.

Die Erklärung im Wortlaut:
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 artisticd ifferences 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