After 13 years and 6 studio albums, Meg and Jack White end their acclaimed collaboration.

The critically-acclaimed Detroit rock duo have announced that they will officially stop performing and recording as The White Stripes. A statement went up today on the band’s official website which reads:

“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 have it stay that way.”

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 any of us and we are truly grateful.” (whitestripes.com)

In their 13-year career, The White Stripes became notorious for their part in the resurgence of American blues and garage rock. The duo were also known for their unique fashion and design aesthetics and for their explosive live act — particularly due to Jack’s virtuosic guitar-playing. The group recorded 6 studio albums, winning Grammy awards for their latest three, and collaborated with director Michel Gondry in releasing several groundbreaking music videos.

This is sad, sad news to add to an already gloomy February. The band’s website doesn’t site any news of upcoming projects for either band member. Although, Jack White is sure to go on playing in one of his many other musical endeavors — i.e. The Raconteurs, Dead Weather.

R.I.P. to one of the better, if not the best, mainstream rock acts of recent times — The White Stripes.

(via CoS)