Saint Etienne discussed their latest album and their plans for a 2026 farewell tour, while assuring fans they will continue collaborating on future projects.
Album Announcement and Collaborations
The London-based group, formed in 1990, surprised fans in May by announcing their 13th studio album, ‘International’. This album features collaborations with Janet Planet of Confidence Man, Tom Rowlands from The Chemical Brothers, Paul Hartnoll of Orbital, among others.
Farewell Tour Plans
They have announced a farewell tour across the UK and Ireland for next autumn, promising to deliver the best of their 35-year career with fun and celebratory performances. International dates are also anticipated.
Keyboardist Bob Stanley shared with NME that despite these being their final commitments as Saint Etienne, they intend to remain active together.
“It won’t feel like it’s over, as there will be more to do with our catalogue, including some fanclub albums,” he noted. “We have another unreleased album that will eventually come out.”
Injury Update
Vocalist Sarah Cracknell, who broke her leg nine weeks ago in France, assured she’d be ready for the shows. “I had a strange moment where my foot went one way, and the rest of me didn’t,” she explained to NME. “I’m on crutches now, but I’ll be fine.”
Interview Highlights
In an interview with NME, the band reflected on their legacy, the tour setlist, and past experiences with other bands.
NME: How has the response been to your farewell announcement?
Bob Stanley: “It’s been incredible, as we didn’t expect much.”
Pete Wiggs: “During a signing tour for ‘International’, someone showed me a photo with his late partner, both in Saint Etienne T-shirts. It was touching, especially when he revealed his new partner was our midwife.”
Sarah Cracknell: “Many have shared how we helped them through tough times, like Winona Ryder.”
(Ryder shared this summer how Saint Etienne’s music “rescued” her during a difficult film project at age 20.)
Wiggs: “We were shocked when we read that. We wish we’d known, we could have collaborated with her.”
Tour Setlist and Final Show
Have you planned the farewell tour’s setlist?
Cracknell: “We want it to be upbeat, like a festival set.”
Wiggs: “It’s about choosing songs that work for a celebration and remembering tracks we haven’t played in a while.”
What will be the last song at the final show?
Stanley: “That’s a tough thought! We haven’t decided yet.”
Cracknell: “It will be emotional, especially trying not to cry while singing.”
Stanley: “Pete and I can hide behind our keyboards to cry.”
Cracknell: “These are our last UK shows, but we hope to continue with festivals and international gigs into 2027.”
Decision to Conclude
Are you confident in your decision to end the band?
Cracknell: “Yes, this is final. I don’t go back on my word.”
Wiggs: “The announcement has reinforced it. It’s like attending your own wake, hearing nice things about yourself.”
Stanley: “The recent response has been great. We didn’t want to fade away with little interest left.”
Cracknell: “I’m proud of our work. It’s a good point to stop without messing it up.”
Wiggs: “We’ve made an impact on pop music, and I’m proud of that.”
Influence and Scene
Where do you see Saint Etienne’s influence today?
Cracknell: “It’s difficult to say without sounding boastful.”
Stanley: “Not many artists use samples in traditional pop. Music has evolved so much.”
Wiggs: “We were pioneers in blending British pop with electronics and hip-hop in the early ’90s. Now, genre-blending is common.”
Scene and Legacy
Did you feel part of a scene?
Stanley: “There was a kinship with bands like Pulp and Suede. We were more colorful than later bands.”
Wiggs: “We were inspired by electronic acts like Stereolab. That’s where the cross-pollination happened.”
Cracknell: “Heavenly’s club nights at The Social created a sense of kinship.”
Stanley: “Despite feeling connected, Manic Street Preachers didn’t see themselves as part of any scene.”
Britpop Memories
What do you recall from touring with Oasis in 1994?
Stanley: “Oasis were so loud in Glasgow. It was clear they were destined for bigger things.”
Wiggs: “It was surreal buying Oasis a drink. They seemed grateful.”
Future Plans
What are your solo projects?
Wiggs: “I’m working on a film soundtrack. I’d like us to do more film projects.”
Stanley: “I’m finishing a book on The Shadows, with another book planned.”
Cracknell: “I have no plans yet. I’m taking it one day at a time.”
Friendship Beyond the Band
How do you feel about meeting as friends after the band ends?
Cracknell: “We’ll continue to have fun conversations.”
Wiggs: “We used to come up with silly song titles, which we can’t do anymore.”
Stanley: “We should take a holiday together. We’re still friends despite living in different areas.”
Saint Etienne’s album ‘International’ is available now from Heavenly. Their farewell tour, ‘The Long Goodbye’, begins in September. Tickets are available, and the full schedule is listed below.
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
