It’s really no shocker that the White Stripes threw in the towel and announced today on their website that “their band has officially ended and will make no further new recordings or perform live.”

Meg and Jack White were short on specifics, stating the breakup is “for a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve What is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way.”

It’s sad to see them go, but let’s face it, Jack White is moving along just fine with his two other excellent groups, The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs, not to mention collaborations like his recent project with Wanda Jackson. You can’t blame him for wanting to put his red jumpsuit days behind him.

Bets are open for the almost inevitable Coachella reunion in a few years. Read the full statement on the White Stripes website.

• Tag: Dead Weather, Jack White, The Raconteurs, White Stripes