Saint Etienne, the iconic British indie electronic-pop band, is embarking on a final tour of Australia and New Zealand, marking the end of a remarkable 35-year career. This farewell tour is a fitting celebration of their unique sound, which has captivated connoisseurs of pop music worldwide. With a blend of electronic touches and swinging '60s flair, Saint Etienne has left an indelible mark on the industry.
The tour, presented by Destroy All Lines, will commence in Auckland's Powerstation on November 20th, followed by a show in Wellington the next day. From there, the band will traverse Australia, performing in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, before concluding the tour in Perth on December 1st. The general onsale for these shows begins on Friday at 9 a.m. local time at destroyalllines.com.
Saint Etienne's farewell tour is a fitting culmination of their illustrious career. The band's final studio album, 'International', released in September 2025, showcases their enduring creativity. The album features a collaboration with Brisbane's electronic-pop act, Confidence Man, on the track 'Brand New Me', which has an Australian connection. 'International' peaked at No. 8 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart, solidifying the band's status as one for the connoisseurs.
The band's history is a testament to the power of friendship and creativity. Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs, childhood friends, formed Saint Etienne in 1990 with their cover of Neil Young's 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart'. Their first recording, completed in just two hours in a bedroom studio, gave them their first and only appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 97 in 1992. Singer Sarah Cracknell completed the lineup when she joined for their third single 'Nothing Can Stop Us' and the 1991 album 'Foxbase Alpha'.
Saint Etienne's decision to call it quits is a surprising one, given their enduring popularity and creative output. In a statement, the band clarifies that they 'aren't splitting up as such', but rather, they 'don't feel like they want to go on forever and wanted to go out with a bang'. This sentiment resonates with many fans, who appreciate the band's willingness to conclude their career on their terms.
The tour is a golden opportunity for fans to experience Saint Etienne's music live, one last time. The band's unique sound, characterized by its creamy, classy pop with electronic touches, has stood the test of time. Their farewell tour is a fitting celebration of this enduring legacy, offering fans a chance to bid farewell to a band that has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
In my opinion, Saint Etienne's farewell tour is a testament to the band's enduring appeal and creative vision. Their decision to conclude their career on their terms is a refreshing reminder of the importance of artistic integrity. As a fan, I am grateful for the opportunity to experience their music live one last time, and I am eager to see how their final tour will be a fitting send-off for this iconic band.
