We know, we know. We're a little behind the ball on this.
Still, it's fairly major news.
When Jack White and Meg White dissolved their marriage in 2002, many surmised that the band would not be able to make it. They proved us wrong for another 8 years, but now, at long last, it seems the iconic rock-n-roll duo will call it quits. According to their website, the duo is breaking up “to preserve What is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way.”
Some have quipped that the White Stripes were never worthy of the praise and attention they garnered in the first place, but that was of little importance then and is of even less importance now. Regardless of which side of the issue you fell on, they were huge successes in their heyday, with each of their final three records winning the Grammy for Best Alternative Album and their hit song “Seven Nation Army” winning the Grammy for Best Rock Song.
Personally, I was never bothered by the simplicity of their music. White’s riffs, while they never dazzled or befuddled, were always catchy. While not entirely unique--in fact, they were almost always pieced together from borrowed musical movements and icons--they still managed to capture a zeitgeist and enchant an audience. Elson’s simple drum beats were also never revered for their complexity, but isn’t that what made The White Stripes so impressive? As an amateur drummer, (and by amateur, I mean very amateur), I could always put on a White Stripes song and quickly pick up on the beats. It made me feel like I could perhaps one day be a real live rock star (just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t, people. Don’t be a dreamkiller).
In any case, for me, it’s a sad day. The White Stripes will always be part of a musical movement for me—the movement I discovered in High School.
I’ll leave you with this, from the band itself:
“The White Stripes do no believe 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.”
You’re welcome, White Stripes. You. Are. Welcome.