Saint Etienne Announces “The Long Goodbye” Tour, Reflects on Legacy and Future Projects
The influential British band Saint Etienne has announced a farewell tour, “The Long Goodbye,” set to begin in September 2026, while assuring fans that this isn’t a complete ending, but rather a transition into new creative endeavors.
After over three decades of crafting sophisticated, sample-laden pop, Saint Etienne shocked fans in May with the announcement of their 13th studio album, ‘International,’ and the subsequent tour. The album features an impressive roster of collaborators, including Janet Planet of Confidence Man, Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers, and Paul Hartnoll of Orbital.
The band’s decision to embark on a farewell tour isn’t a sign of dwindling passion, but a deliberate choice to conclude a remarkable chapter on a high note. “None of us wanted to go out when we were tailing off, until only 12 people were interested,” explained a member of the trio. They intend to deliver “the best of the best” from their 35-year catalogue during the upcoming shows, promising a celebratory and “fun” experience for their devoted fanbase. International dates are also being considered, potentially extending the tour into 2027.
Despite the tour’s title, the band members emphasize that their creative partnership will continue. “It won’t feel like anything is finished, because there will be catalogue stuff to do, including at least a couple of fanclub albums,” stated keyboardist Bob Stanley. Furthermore, an unreleased album is slated for release at an unspecified date.
The band’s commitment to their fans extends beyond the tour and future releases. Singer Sarah Cracknell, recovering from a broken leg sustained nine weeks ago while on holiday in France, assured fans she’ll be ready to perform. “I had a weird moment where my foot went one way, and the rest of me didn’t,” she recounted, but remains optimistic about being “doing the cha-cha” by the time the tour begins.
The announcement has prompted a wave of heartfelt responses from fans, including a particularly poignant story shared during a recent signing tour. According to Pete Wiggs, one fan showed him a photo of himself and his ex-partner, both wearing Saint Etienne T-shirts, revealing that the band’s music had been a bonding experience during their relationship, and that his new partner had even served as their midwife. The band has also been touched by messages from high-profile figures like Winona Ryder, who revealed that Saint Etienne’s music “totally rescued me” during a difficult period in her early career.
Planning the setlist for “The Long Goodbye” is a delicate balance between celebrating their greatest hits and revisiting lesser-played gems. “We want it to be very up, a party. In my mind, it’s an elongated festival set,” Cracknell shared. Wiggs added that they are mindful of ensuring songs from albums like 2002’s ‘Finisterre’ receive their due recognition. The final song of the last show remains undecided, prompting a touch of melancholy. “There’s a morbid thought! The last song we ever play live?” Stanley mused.
The band members are resolute in their decision to conclude this chapter while their legacy remains strong. “I’m proud of everything we’ve done. We haven’t let the side down at all. That’s a good point to stop: let’s not fuck it up now,” Cracknell affirmed. Wiggs echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’ve made an impression on the world of pop music and I’m proud of that. We did something good there.”
Saint Etienne’s influence can be seen in contemporary artists like Confidence Man, who collaborated on ‘International.’ While pinpointing their specific impact is difficult in today’s genre-bending musical landscape, Stanley noted that few artists currently combine sampling with traditional pop songwriting in the same way Saint Etienne did. The band acknowledges being in the “right place at the right time” in the early 1990s, pioneering a unique blend of British pop, electronics, and hip-hop.
Reflecting on their early days, the band recalls a vibrant scene that included artists like Pulp, Denim, and early Suede. While they maintained a degree of distance from the Britpop movement, they were influenced by electronic acts like Stereolab and Broadcast. The Heavenly record label, with its club nights at The Social in London, also fostered a sense of community. However, their attempts to connect with Manic Street Preachers were met with a cool reception, as James Dean Bradfield reportedly dismissed their shared sensibilities.
A memorable moment in their history was headlining a 1994 tour that featured a then-rising Oasis as the support act. Stanley described a stark contrast between their performances, recalling how the audience was “pinned to the wall” by Oasis’s volume, while Saint Etienne sounded like they were playing “Chad Valley instruments.” Wiggs fondly remembered buying Oasis a round of drinks, acknowledging that the roles would soon be reversed.
Looking ahead, the band members have individual projects in the works. Wiggs is completing a film soundtrack, while Stanley is finishing a book on The Shadows and planning another literary project. Cracknell, however, admits to having no immediate plans beyond the tour.
Despite the impending conclusion of Saint Etienne as a performing entity, the band members remain close friends. “When we meet, we just talk shit anyway. We only talk about the band when we’re forced to,” Cracknell quipped. They often brainstorm song titles, though Wiggs conceded that most are “stupid and unusable.” Stanley suggested a holiday together, a tradition they haven’t yet established.
Saint Etienne’s album ‘International’ is currently available on Heavenly Records. Tickets for “The Long Goodbye” tour, commencing in September 2026, can be found [here](link to tickets).
Tour Schedule:
SEPTEMBER 2026
15 – New Century Hall, Manchester
16 – Beacon Theatre, Bristol
18 – Roundhouse, London
19 – Electric, Sheffield
20 – SWG3, Glasgow
22 – 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin
24 – Glasshouse, Gateshead
25 – Dome, Brighton
26 – Corn Exchange, Cambridge
