The White Stripes Split After 13 Years

Rock duo The White Stripes have announced they are splitting to concentrate on other projects.

Jack and Meg White, known for their raw mix of punk and blues in songs like Seven Nation Army, are denying any differences or lack of enthusiasm.

But the pair are saying they want their music to be remembered at its best.

The duo, who are ex-husband and wife, asked their fans not to be disappointed because "the beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to".

In a statement on their website, the pair said: "The White Stripes would like to announce that today, February 2, 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."

Rather, they said: "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."

Their label Third Man Records will continue to put out unreleased live and studio recordings, the pair said.

The White Stripes was launched in Detroit in 1997, with Jack on vocals, guitar and keyboards, and Meg played drums and sometimes sang.

Their relationship was sometimes seen as ambiguous - Jack White used to say they were brother and sister, when in fact they used to be married.

He has since married Karen Elson, an English model.

Jack White has a successful side musical project, The Raconteurs, and has also appeared on screen including in the award-winning 2003 movie Cold Mountain.