The White Stripes: 90s rock duo had fans wondering whether they were siblings or married

An American rock band who were prominent in the late 90s and early noughties caused much confusion during their fame regarding the relationship between the two band members — were they in a relationship or were they siblings?The White Stripes, a two-piece band featuring Jack White and Meg White, released their first album in 1999 with five more following in the years to come.They disbanded in 2011, though the beginning of the end started in 2007 after they cancelled a string of dates on their US tour.An American rock band who were prominent in the late 90s and early noughties caused much confusion during their fame regarding the relationship between the two band members — were they in a relationship or were they siblings? Pic: BEI/REX/ShutterstockMeg and Jack befriended each other during their high school days with Metro reporting that Meg had worked at a restaurant where jack performed poetry.

The pair dated before tying the knot in 1996 — with Jack taking his wife’s surname. Jack had always been musically inclined, however when Meg gave music a go their vision for The White Stripes was born. The White Stripes, a two-piece band featuring Jack White and Meg White, released their first album in 1999 with five more following in the years to come.



Pic: Peter Foley/EPA/REX/ShutterstockDespite being married before the band made it big time, Jack always maintained that they were siblings and not lovers, once telling NME that the rumour of them being married was started and they ‘played along with it.’Jack doubled down on the idea that he was Meg’s brother despite proof in the form of a marriage certificate being released as public knowledge.Metro report that the band didn’t really find fame until their third album as well as the now legendary, Seven Nation Army which was released in 2003.

In another eccentric twist to the tale of this two-piece, they divorced in 2000, before their best work was made — further leaning into the sibling talk for the remainder of their career. Pic: Mark Campbell/REX/Shutterstock In another eccentric twist to the tale of this two-piece, they divorced in 2000, before their best work was made — further leaning into the sibling talk for the remainder of their career.Jack later told Rolling Stone that the presentation of the pair as siblings as opposed to in a relationship was to ensure they were better perceived.

‘You care more about the music, not the relationship,’ he explained. The couple disbanded in 2011 citing that they wanted to ‘preserve what is beautiful and special about the band.’ It’s official! Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan confirmed for upcoming Beatles biopic Jack remains firmly in the spotlight, releasing his sixth solo album in July 2024, which was quickly succeeded by a tour, No Name Tour.

Meg has removed herself from the public eye, apart from when herself and Jack filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against US President Donald Trump in September 2024 for his use of Seven Nation Army during his campaign.The Guardian report that the lawsuit was dropped soon after..