White Stripes announce 'split' after 13 years together

By Greg Cochrane

The White Stripes have announced they have split up, saying they will "make no further new recordings or perform live".

The Detroit duo of Jack and Meg White thanked fans for their support in a statement on their website.

They added that they were calling it a day for a "myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band."

The group formed 13 years ago and released five studio albums.
'Special band'

In a career which lasted over a decade the band headlined a number of major UK festivals including Glastonbury in 2005.

Giving their reasons for the parting Jack and Meg said it was not "due to artistic differences or lack of wanting to continue, nor any health issues".

The statement said they hoped the news would not be met with "sorrow" from fans but seen as a "positive move".

Best known for tracks including Hotel Yorba, Fell In Love With A Girl and Seven Nation Army the band won numerous awards including five Grammys and one Brit award.