White Stripes Help Conan O'Brien Say Goodbye to "Late Night," New York City

The White Stripes ended their nearly two-year hiatus Friday night, taking the stage for the final musical performance on the last episode of Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Jack and Meg White, both with guitars in hand, treated the crowd to a laid-back, stripped-down version of the White Blood Cells standout "We're Going to Be Friends."

"When we were trying to decide what musical guest to feature on our last show after so many years, there was one band that was always at the top of my list," O'Brien told the crowd. "I wasn't sure this could happen. Please welcome our good friends for many years, the White Stripes." The Stripes last performed together during their Icky Thump Canadian tour in the summer of 2007, before Meg's "acute anxiety problems" put a quick halt on U.S. tour plans. According to reports, however, the duo have reconvened to start work on their seventh album, projected for release this summer.

"There's a sweetness to the White Stripes — there's the hard rock but there's this sweetness that I think resonates a little bit with our show and it’s always been a good fit," O'Brien told Rock Daily last week. O'Brien also admitted that "We're Going to Be Friends" is among his personal favorites. The Stripes have a long history with Conan, including a week-long residency the band had back in 2005.

Other guests on the final Conan before he jumps to an earlier time slot and a California zip code included actor/punchline Abe Vigoda, Will Ferrell, John Mayer and his old co-host Andy Richter.

Related Stories:

• White Stripes' Final "Late Night" Gig: Conan O'Brien on Special Relationship With Jack and Meg
• Conan O'Brien Relives Afternoon of Boozing and Shooting With Hunter S. Thompson
• Meg White Makes Cameo During Raconteurs Concert

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