NEW YORK – The White Stripes are done.

The groundbreaking rock duo, which helped revive and reshape a stale rock scene with their scorching, guitar-fueled, blues-tinged songs, announced Wednesday they are splitting up after more than a decade and six albums together.

Jack and Meg White (who presented themselves as brother and sister but were actually ex-husband and wife) said no “Behind the Music”-type troubles doomed the band.

“The reason is not due to artistic differences or lack of wanting to continue, nor any health issues,” according to a written statement. “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.”

The Grammy-winning, platinum-selling band started off in Detroit in 1997. Seen mainly as the brainchild of frontman Jack White (Meg was the drummer), the band’s breakthrough came at the start of the new millennium with the albums “White Blood Cells” and 2003’s “Elephant,” with the now-classic song “Seven Nation Army.”

But over the years, Jack White has focused attention on other projects.

Advertisement

The duo urged fans not to be upset at the band’s demise. Although no new recordings are expected, unreleased tracks are forthcoming.

“The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. (They) belong to you now,” the duo said. “Thank you for sharing this experience.”

Police warrant looks to hang stolen necklace on Lohan

LOS ANGELES – Lindsay Lohan is in the spotlight again for all the wrong reasons.

Police got a search warrant Tuesday to look for a $2,500 stolen necklace at the troubled actress’ home near Venice Beach.

But before detectives could execute the warrant, someone — police wouldn’t say who — turned in the necklace. Now Lohan, who is still on probation for a 2007 drunken driving case, is being investigated for possible grand theft, police said.

Advertisement

Kamofie & Co., a Venice custom jewelry store within walking distance of Lohan’s home, reported the necklace stolen Jan. 22, roughly three weeks after the “Mean Girls” star was released from rehab.

Doctor who called 911 said Sheen very drunk

LOS ANGELES – Charlie Sheen was very drunk and in pain when a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon called 911 and the actor was taken to the hospital, according to a call to dispatchers that was released Wednesday.

In the five-minute recording, Dr. Paul Nassif said he received a call from Sheen’s residence and spoke with a worried secretary.

“They said don’t call 911, but I got (Sheen) on the phone and he was very, very intoxicated, also apparently in a lot of pain,” Nassif told dispatchers.

Sheen, 45, was taken to a Los Angeles-area hospital last Thursday and released later that day. Sheen’s publicist, Stan Rosenfield, cited the actor’s history of hernia problems and later said his client went into rehab, but he did not say why. Sheen’s rehab has halted production of the sitcom “Two and a Half Men.”

Advertisement

Elton slams; Billy shrugs

NEW YORK – Billy Joel’s reaction to Elton John’s declaration that the “Piano Man” needs rehab is one big shrug.

In a statement released Wednesday, Joel says: “Elton is just being Elton.”

John took his former touring partner to task in an interview for the Feb. 17 edition of Rolling Stone, saying Joel needs to do “something better with his life” and get serious about rehab. He also said the pair had to cancel many tours because of Joel’s illnesses and “alcoholism.”

John predicted Joel would “hate” him for his comments, but Joel said he has enjoyed their relationship so much that he’s not going to let the comments change his affection for John.

 


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.