THE Yards, one of the finest bands to have come out of York, play their farewell gig at The Duchess on Saturday night.

Lead singer Chris Helme, bassist Stu Fletcher, guitarist Chris Farrell, keyboards player Jon Hargreaves and drummer John Miller have decided to call it a day, having come full circle following the release of their second album, Imperial Measures, in March on their own Industrial Erotica Records label.

“After finishing off and touring Imperial Measures, it feels like the band has completed a full turn of the wheel,” says Jon.

“We’ve recorded definitive versions of songs that we’ve been working on for years, and musically we’re in a position where our sound has gradually evolved, expanded as far as it needs to (we’ve been regularly using extra musicians for a while now), and matured to a state that we’re happy with.”

Jon suggests the next step probably would have been to reinvent the entire Yards’ sound, rather than to take what they already do any further or refine it yet again. “Between the five of us, we’ve just not got the time to do that, and instead of struggling to fit in a future project we’ve decided to call the current one complete,” he says.

“We’ve loved playing together over the years and have shared some great experiences – we’d like to thank everyone and anyone who has supported us along the way.”

Saturday’s swansong gig carries the title of The Last High and is one not to be missed, promising a set of everything The Yards do best, from delicate acoustic balladry to rocked-up anthems. “We hope you can make it down,” says Jon.

Support comes from The Federals at 8pm. Tickets are available in advance on 08444 771000 or on online at theduchessyork.co.uk or on the door from 7.30pm.