Time to start rending your garments and tearing your hair, minimalist blues-rock fans. The White Stripes have just announced they’ve broken up. In a statement on the Third Man Records website, Jack and Meg White clarify that the band is done with both live performances and recording. “The reason is not due to artistic reasons or lack of wanting to continue, nor any health issues,” they write. “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.” With that, they note that the band now belongs to the fans, who can make the White Stripes “last forever if people want it to.” As for Flavorpill, we plan to remember them tonight by drinking whiskey and listening to De Stijl.