My Pierrot Dolls bid farewell in Epic Slamfest performance: End of an era for the legendary band

At least, that’s the verdict of Ivor Hillman, whose My Pierrot Dolls headlined Slamfest last Sunday in what they’re declaring the last hurrah of a long-awaited comeback.

Ivor revealed he had been asked by numerous crowd members: “Was that really the last gig of the Dolls?”

And he confirmed the answer is “yes”, adding: “The story was we were part of a documentary telling the story of us getting back together and doing one last gig - that was always the plan.

“We did the gig at the Chantry in March, which sold out and was a fantastic night.

“We then got asked would we headline Slamfest to raise money for the Rotherham Hospice charity.

“As people who know me know, I've raised thousands for good causes.

“I couldn't resist so we stepped up.

“Now it's over and my beer belly is getting in the way of looking cool and like a rock star.

“It's really the end of an era.”

Ivor said the Dolls, who enjoyed minor success in the early 1980s, had “never made it big but we tried - boy did we f****** try” but appeared to confirm the revival is over, adding: “Unless a great gig comes in, the Dolls have gone back in their box.”

Slamfest ran over two days, with Saturday’s line-up featuring Rotherham’s own Valley Road, plus Pave, Teletext Holidays, Spooner, Raw Honey and Hospital Food, with Sweet Beast topping the bill.

Sunday’s bill included Silverback, Steve Kittens, Kids Klumsy, Rough Trade, Searching for Sylvia and Suburban Toys.

Proceeds will go to Rotherham Hospice

Promoter Mick Hill said he had been slightly disappointed with the turnout, putting it down to there being several other gigs taking place in town and the festival having been organised and promoted at relatively short notice.

He said the line-up had featured a good mix of bands, highlighting Spooner and the “outstanding” Pave for particular attention.

Asked about Ivor’s declaration that the Dolls were calling it a day, Mick said he would take this with a pinch of salt.

“How many of these bands have done farewell tours and farewell farewell tours?” he hit back.

“I’d never say never, but you never know. I’d love them to come back and electro and 80s music is big at the moment.”

You can see the new documentary on the Dolls, titled The Dolls in Winter, on YouTube.

Former Seahorses frontman Chris Helme brings his solo set to the Chantry Tap on Saturday night, with Fable X as support.