FAITHLESS'S FINAL FAREWELL...

After 15 years as one of dance music's most revered acts, Faithless has made its final bow.

The band came to London's O2 Academy Brixton on Friday 8 April for a long-sold-out final show, and from all reports they made it count. For all those who couldn't get tickets, the performance was also broadcast live via satellite in cinemas across Northern Europe.

In the true spirit of the band, the London gig was a celebration. Just like LCD Soundsystem's last-ever show in their spiritual home of New York, Faithless delivered a career-spanning set-list. They also came equipped with an eye-popping light show, including some always-welcome lasers.

The first video below (shot by a cinema-goer) shows set closer We Come 1, with a clearly emotional Maxi Jazz leading the crowd through an ecstatic last hurrah. We can only imagine how the venue’s foundations shook on the night.

As Faithless themselves beamed yesterday: "The party may have ended but the memories go on!"

Hopefully there’ll be a DVD to help us remember!..

http://youtu.be/_dsHepQI7EE

http://youtu.be/zrDgrV51Cig

www.dirtysmart.com

FAITHLESS THROW IN THE TOWEL...

I'm not sure I can take any more end-of-the-line type news today. Nate Dogg, Smiley Culture and one of the founders of KORG pass away, Institubes throws in the towel, and now so do Faithless.

A statement posted by frontman Maxi Jazz today says that after a decade-and-a-half in business, the group have decided to call it a day after they finish their remaining tour dates.

The statement on the band's website reads:

"After 15 years(!) and six albums(!!) I think we've probably made our collective point by now and that it's time to close the book and return to the library... We've had, with you, the most unbelievable, epic and moving experience, stretching over years and tens of thousands of miles... joyful, exhilarating and empowering, we never for a moment thought an affair could last this long. Or be this powerful. Never thought for a moment that the end of this journey would be left to us either... Quite naturally people grow, change and leave the things of youth behind them. You've not only brought us with you, but introduced us to y'children too! What're you like..?

The album 'The Dance Never Ends' was written and produced for you, as a thank you, but also as a goodbye.. the tour schedule has been particularly hectic as we attempt to visit as many territories as there are people who wanna see us.. And say thank you. If I devoted the rest of my life to the task, I could NEVER thank you enough. I have memories that will still be with me in my next life.

But, like when writing a song, you always just 'know' when it's finished... this is and was the "Thank YOU And Goodbye' tour and to be truthful, I really hope you just pick up the ball of your life.. And RUN WITH IT!! Once again, whether you bought or downloaded a cd, came to a show or told your mates about us... Whether from the beginning or just last week.. Thank you. You'll be in my heart forever. Listen for my voice in future lifetimes, I only grow in your shadow, you're the sun to me. One Love."

Maxi, Sister Bliss, Rollo and co – thank you for the music.
Love Mr Dirty Smart x

www.dirtysmart.com