The White Stripes Announce Breakup

Well, rock and roll just got a little sadder, pals. The White Stripes, the groundbreaking, earth-shaking duo of Jack and Meg White have announced they are breaking up. The band made the news official In a statement released on Jack White's Third Man Records website: "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 statement goes on to say, "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."

While we're glad to hear that both Jack White and Meg White are both in good health, it's sad to see one of the great bands of the last decade call it a day. There's still plenty of Jack White music to enjoy, from his work with The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather to his sidemen/production duties with the likes of Wanda Jackson. And we hope that Meg White releases some music in the future.

In the meantime, and as a way of saying goodbye to this incredible band, we've posted two of our favorite White Stripes videos. Not only were The White Stripes a breathtaking recording outfit and stunning live act, but they were at the cutting edge of music videos.

So let's send The White Stripes off into the sunset with these two incredible videos: "Fell In Love With A Girl" and "Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground," both directed by Michel Gondry.

Read more: http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2011/02/02/white-stripes-breakup/