Saint Etienne's Final Lap: A Pop Odyssey Across the Tasman
The legendary British indie electronic-pop quartet, Saint Etienne, is embarking on a grand farewell tour, bidding adieu to their devoted fans Down Under. This emotional journey will take them across Australia and New Zealand, offering one last chance for fans to revel in their iconic sound.
What makes this tour particularly special is the timing. Saint Etienne's recent studio album, 'International', released in September 2025, showcases their enduring creativity. The album's Australian connection, a collaboration with Brisbane's electronic-pop sensation Confidence Man, adds a layer of local flavor to their global appeal. 'International' peaked at No. 8 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart, solidifying their status as one of the most influential acts in the genre.
The band's history is a testament to their enduring friendship and musical prowess. Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs, childhood buddies, founded Saint Etienne in 1990 with their cover of Neil Young's 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart'. Their debut recording, a mere two-hour endeavor in a bedroom studio, catapulted them to No. 97 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992. This early success set the stage for their iconic status in the music industry.
Singer Sarah Cracknell's addition to the lineup in 1991 for the single 'Nothing Can Stop Us' and the album 'Foxbase Alpha' completed the quartet's signature sound. Saint Etienne's music is a delightful blend of creamy pop, electronic elements, and swinging '60s flair, captivating connoisseurs worldwide.
Despite their farewell tour, the band emphasizes that they are not splitting up. Instead, they choose to exit on a high note, cherishing their 35 years of friendship and musical collaboration. Before their Australasian tour, Saint Etienne will grace the stages of the United Kingdom and Europe, gracing summer festivals and headline concerts.
The tour itinerary is as follows: Auckland's Powerstation on November 20th, followed by a show in Wellington on the 21st. The band then heads to Australia, kicking off in Adelaide on November 23rd, followed by Melbourne on the 26th, Sydney on the 27th, Brisbane on the 29th, and concluding in Perth on December 1st. Fans eager to secure their spot can purchase tickets from destroyalllines.com starting Friday at 9 a.m. local time.
This farewell tour is not just a goodbye but a celebration of Saint Etienne's remarkable journey, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.
