There are many ways for an established act or artist to call it a day. Some implode mid-tour in a fireball of drugs, ego and flying guitars. Others drift quietly out of sight unannounced. Some take their cue from those annoying people at parties who bid everyone a fulsome farewell and then just keep coming back. Most, as we know, don’t manage to say goodbye at all.

As ardent scholars of pop history, Sarah Cracknell, Pete Wiggs and Bob Stanley are more aware than most of all the pitfalls and indignities involved. They have duly planned Saint Etienne’s exit from the scene with obvious care and attention. Like those annoyingly reasonable couples who throw divorce parties, the trio have pitched their retirement as a celebration. This is conscious dethroupling, indie-pop style.

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First, in 2025 Saint Etienne released a very decent studio swan song, International. A year later, they are coming to the end of a civilised jaunt around the UK and Ireland to bid their fans a personal adieu. Everyone seems to still get on. As far as I’m........

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