The White Stripes have announced that they have split up and that they have no plans to make further recordings or perform live again.

In a statement, Jack and Meg White said the decision to part company was not down to “artistic differences of lack of a wanting to continue”.

Rather, they added, it was “for a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way”.

They went on to thank their fans for supporting them “throughout the 13 plus years of The White Stripes intense and incredible career”.

The White Stripes released six albums and until today (February 2) were thought to be working on their seventh.

The group last performed live in support of their 2007 album ‘Icky Thump’, but the tour was scrapped so Meg White could overcome anxiety problems.

In a final message to their fans, the pair said: "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."

(by Jason Gregory)