Why the White Stripes Breakup was Inevitable

As I so often admit to I am nearly 62-years-old. I figure maybe if I keep saying it I'll wake up aged 25 again. I have always loved all kinds of music but was surprised at myself when I fell in love with the music of the White Stripes. Even my musician sons were amazed I liked them. The last time I remember them being so happy about my affinity for an artist or group was when I admitted to liking Phish and accompanied them to an Elvis Costello concert in Chicago. The White Stripes announced their "breakup" earlier this year although it's obvious there will always be a Jack and Meg White.

For any reader not familiar with White Stripes they are an ex-husband and wife out of Detroit. Jack took Meg's name at marriage. Jack White is a gifted musician and singer. His wife at the time, Meg White, was toying around on the drums one time and it infatuated Jack who encouraged her to work on it which she did. Her child-like persona and drumming methods captured fans' hearts as it had Jack's. They were unique as the only music was what Jack provided via various instruments, mostly guitar and piano, and his extreme-range singing voice.

Make no mistake about it, White Stripes was a cutting edge force and had (and have) legions of die-hard fans. One other thing; The White Stripes only uses the "colors" white, red and black in their stage venues.

Let me share a very few "hyperlinked" favorite White Stripes' songs of mine. I love "The Denial Twist." A song with incredibly creative lyrics is "Effect and Cause."

A song that takes me back to the first grade and makes me get tears is "We're Going to Be Friends."

Why was The White Stripes' breakup inevitable?

It was a matter of time. Jack White is involved in many, many different activities including movies; he's not a bad actor. He is a prolific songwriter and in high demand. Meg White is painfully shy. Never really comfortable performing, for months the White Stripes had to cancel performing because she was suffering from stage fright.

For much of their career the White Stripes have been divorced and both have remarried. Consider the fact that Jack White and his wife of several years are highly active; what type of problem would this have with touring?

While the White Stripes' music will always be "fresh" to new listeners, the way two musicians can perform when only one is growing and comfortable is limited.

As Jack White's popularity, opportunity for projects and breadth of work has increased dramatically, Meg White has moved further and further away from the spotlight and it probably has been harder and harder to get her to move back.

Consider this work by Jack White and Alicia Keys doing a James Bond Theme. In the realm of acting note Jack White as Elvis here.

It was time to move on and being honest musicians the White Stripes did.

The White Stripes was named after Meg's favorite candy red and white striped candies. Like the candy, The White Stripes will be an iconic favorite.

References:

You Tube Website, "Walk Hard-check out Jack White as Elvis"

You Tube Website, "The Denial Twist by the White Stripes"

You Tube Website, "The White Stripes-We're Going To Be Friends"

The Chicago Tribune Website, "White Stripes announce breakup"