White Stripes Break Up

The White Stripes split up today, ending a 13-year career that saw six studio albums and numerous world tours, PopEater reports. Jack and Meg White, who last released 2007's Icky Thump, said there was no hard feelings in a statement posted to their website. "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 says.

"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," the statement says. "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." Click for more. Here's a snippet of early reaction:

• James Montgomery, MTV: " I'd argue that, of all their contemporaries, they're the only group that we'll still be talking about in 20 years' time. Their place in rock history is secure."

(More White Stripes stories.)