In a statement posted on the Third Man Records website, the Detroit rock duo has announced that its members, Meg and Jack White, will no longer record or perform together. Read the full statement from the band below: 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 through the 13 plus years of The White Stripes’ intense and incredible career. Third Man Record 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 WhiteThe White Stripes Since the release of their self-titled debut album in 1999, the White Stripes have won five Grammy awards and sold 5.9 million albums overall, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Following the release of their sixth and final album, 2007’s “Icky Thump,” Jack White released two albums as a member of rock supergroup the Dead Weather, as well as a second full-length as a member of alt-rock quartet the Raconteurs. “Under the Great Northern Lights,” the White Stripes’ first live album, was released last March. This article appears courtesy of Billboard.com