Saint Etienne Reflect on Final Album and Farewell Tour: “It’s a Good Point to Stop – Let’s Not Mess It Up Now”

Saint Etienne share heartfelt thoughts on their farewell album and upcoming tour, embracing their legacy while promising a joyous celebration.

The End of an Era Begins: Saint Etienne’s Final Chapter

If you’ve been a fan of Saint Etienne, the iconic London trio that’s been weaving atmospheric pop since 1990, you might have felt your heart skip a beat this May. The band announced their 13th and final studio album, International, a rich tapestry of collaborations, alongside plans for a farewell tour in 2026. It’s a bittersweet moment, mixing excitement with the nostalgia of closing a beloved chapter.

The album features some stellar collaborators, including Janet Planet of Confidence Man, Tom Rowlands from The Chemical Brothers, and Paul Hartnoll of Orbital. It’s a fitting send-off, blending the past and present of electronic pop in their signature style.

Farewell Tour: A Celebration, Not a Goodbye

The band confirmed a UK and Ireland farewell tour set for autumn 2026, promising fans “the best of the best” from their 35-year catalog. But don’t expect a somber goodbye. Instead, Saint Etienne plans to turn these shows into joyous parties, celebrating their shared journey with audiences — both old and new. They’ve also hinted at international dates, so the party might just extend beyond the British Isles.

Keyboardist Bob Stanley shared how their collaboration continues beyond the stage. “It won’t feel like anything is finished,” he said, mentioning unreleased material and fanclub albums in the pipeline. The creative spirit is alive and kicking!

Sarah Cracknell’s Cha-Cha Comeback

Singer Sarah Cracknell’s recent mishap adds a human touch to the farewell story. She broke her leg while on holiday but is determined to dance her way through the upcoming shows. “I had a weird moment where my foot went one way, and the rest of me didn’t,” she laughed. “I’m on crutches now, but I’ll be alright.” If that’s not dedication to the cause, what is?

The Soundtrack to the Final Act

They shared a video for “Take Me To The Pilot,” one of the singles from International, a perfect glimpse into the album’s euphoric vibe.

Legacy and Reflection: Not Ready to Say Goodbye

Saint Etienne opened up about the emotional weight of ending their journey. “It’s a good point to stop: let’s not mess it up now,” Sarah Cracknell said candidly. They want to preserve their legacy, not dilute it. Pete Wiggs chimed in, proud of the impact their music has had on pop culture: “We’ve made an impression on the world of pop music and I’m proud of that.”

Bob Stanley remarked on the warm reception from fans and how none of them wanted to continue playing if interest dwindled. It’s a graceful exit, one that honors their journey and fanbase.

A Scene of Their Own: The Band’s Place in Music History

Reflecting on their early days, the band acknowledged their unique blend of British pop, electronic, and hip-hop influences in the ’90s. “We were in the right place at the right time,” Wiggs said, noting how genre boundaries were just beginning to blur then.

Bob Stanley reminisced about their kinship with bands like Pulp and Suede, though Saint Etienne always maintained a distinct identity, somewhat apart from the Britpop explosion. “We kept our heads down when Britpop was happening,” he recalled, underscoring their independent streak.

Sarah Cracknell admitted to ongoing impostor syndrome, a relatable confession in the often intimidating music world. “It’s exhausting, trying to be me,” she revealed, showing the vulnerability behind the gloss of fame.

Touring Tales: From Manics to Oasis

Remembering their 1994 tour, where they headlined over Oasis, brings a smile. Stanley described the Glasgow crowd’s roar for Oasis, likening it to a jet engine, while the band’s own sound seemed almost delicate in comparison. Wiggs recounted buying drinks for Oasis, a moment that felt like passing the torch.

“In Glasgow, the entire audience was pinned to the wall as they were so loud, like a jet engine. Then we came on and sounded like we were playing Chad Valley instruments.” – Bob Stanley

Solo Adventures and Next Steps

Even as Saint Etienne winds down, their creative output continues. Pete Wiggs is working on a film soundtrack, inspired by a short film expanding into a feature. Bob Stanley is tapping into the cultural fabric of Bradford for a potential film project, alongside books on The Shadows and other topics.

Sarah Cracknell, meanwhile, is taking it week by week, unsure what the future holds but open to the possibilities.

Friendship Beyond the Music

Despite their busy lives spread across Oxfordshire, Sussex, and Yorkshire, the trio remains close friends. They joke about their past habit of inventing silly band and song titles during casual chats — a quirky reminder that their bond extends beyond the stage.

Saint Etienne’s Final Tour: ‘The Long Goodbye’

Mark your calendars for September 2026 as Saint Etienne embarks on their farewell UK and Ireland tour, The Long Goodbye. Here’s the lineup:

• Sept 15 – New Century Hall, Manchester
• Sept 16 – Beacon Theatre, Bristol
• Sept 18 – Roundhouse, London
• Sept 19 – Electric, Sheffield
• Sept 20 – SWG3, Glasgow
• Sept 22 – 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin
• Sept 24 – Glasshouse, Gateshead
• Sept 25 – Dome, Brighton
• Sept 26 – Corn Exchange, Cambridge

Saint Etienne’s International album is out now on Heavenly Records. Their farewell tour promises to be a heartfelt celebration of decades of music and memories.

FAQ

• What collaborations feature on Saint Etienne’s final album International?
  The album includes collaborations with Janet Planet (Confidence Man), Tom Rowlands (The Chemical Brothers), and Paul Hartnoll (Orbital), among others.
• When and where is the farewell tour scheduled?
  The UK and Ireland tour kicks off in September 2026, visiting cities from Manchester to Dublin and Brighton.
• Will the band continue to work together after the farewell tour?
  Yes, they plan to keep busy with catalog projects, unreleased albums, and possible future collaborations.
• How is Sarah Cracknell recovering from her injury?
  Sarah broke her leg but is optimistic about dancing again by the time the tour starts.
• What kind of music style is Saint Etienne known for?
  They are celebrated for blending British pop with electronic, hip-hop, and indie elements, creating a unique sound since the early ’90s.

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