February 2, 2011
In a surprise move by Jack White, The White Stripes officially announced today on their official website that the band has officially ended and will no longer perform or record new material. According to the website the Stripes' breakup 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." Many of you may not care, but White Stripes has long been one of my favorite bands due to the raw emotion and passion in their music and the creativity and variety in sound for a two-man outfit.
On one hand I am saddened by the news, but on the other I am excited about the future possibilities that White and Co. have. The breakup almost seems to be a creative move into new musical territory as White posts"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." What does that mean? It means that the White Stripes will continue through our continued support and listening.
In light of the band's breakup here are a couple highlights from The White Stripes' awesome and mind-blowing career.
1. "Fell In Love With A Girl"
Sure the song is 2 minutes long, but the sheer rock power of this song manages to last long after the last note is played. Add to that an innovative LEGO music video from acclaimed director Michel Gondry, and you have gold.
2. Elephant
The Stripes' fourth album "Elephant" was released in 2003 and was their major record label debut. It was received with critical acclaim and is loved by fans everywhere. This happens to be MY favorite album of The White Stripes. It received a perfect rating from Rolling Stone and went on to win the 2004 Grammy Award form Alternative Album of the Year. "Seven Nation Army", the first single from the record, went on to win the Grammy for Best Rock Song. This record seriously doesn't have a single weak song on it.
If you are new to the Stripes and want a sampling from them, this cd is it.
Check out "The Hardest Button to Button" and "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself".
3. Icky Thump - The Tour
Icky Thump was the final recording of The White Stripes and is one of the most creative recordings that the duo released. It followed in the footsteps of the previous 2 recordings and won Alternative Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. To support the record, Meg and Jack decided to do a Canadian tour to support the album in which they would play in all 10 provinces.
In the words of Jack White - "Having never done a tour of Canada, Meg and I thought it was high time to go whole hog. We want to take this tour to the far reaches of the Canadian landscape. From the ocean to the permafrost. The best way for us to do that is ensure that we perform in every province and territory in the country, from the Yukon to Prince Edward Island."
Chronicled in The White Stripes live dvd/cd "Under Great White Northern Lights" The Icky Thump Tour was a smash hit, although having to be ended early due to anxiety attacks suffered by Meg. While on the tour the Stripes performed their 10th anniversary show as well as shows in various random venues such as town squares, public transportation and bowling alleys. Another highlight occurred on July 16th 2007 when they performed their infamous "One Note Show". This show holds the world record for the world's shortest concert, as the set list was comprised of an "F" chord.
IN CONCLUSION-
Thank you Jack and Meg for 13 wonderful years creating music and inspiring others to be innovative at their instruments! I hope that the future holds wonderful things musically. :-)
The REAL Bowman
P.S. Jack White is my musical inspiration at the violin. (Go Figure)
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