Released 30 January 1989 (UK) Label HMV (UK) | Format 7", 12", CD, cassette Length 3:37 | |
"The Last of the Famous International Playboys"(1989) "Interesting Drug"(1989) | ||
"The Last of the Famous International Playboys" was the third single released by Morrissey. It reached number 6 in the UK Singles Chart. The song was not featured on one of Morrissey's main studio albums, but can be found on the compilation album Bona Drag along with the B-side "Lucky Lisp". The artwork for the single features Morrissey, aged 7, up a tree in Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester—literally a boy at play. "The Last of the Famous International Playboys" is notable for featuring three of Morrissey's former colleagues in The Smiths—Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce and one-time Smiths rhythm guitarist Craig Gannon—all of whom also appear on the B-side, "Lucky Lisp".
Contents
- Critical reception
- 7 vinyl
- 12 vinyl compact disc and cassette
- Etchings on vinyl
- Musicians
- Live performances
- Video
- 2013 reissue
- Cover versions
- References
The song mythologizes the notorious pair of vicious London gangsters known as the Kray twins (Ronnie and Reggie Kray), who held a tight rein on the East End of London during the 1960s.
Critical reception
NME gave the single a negative review, with Stuart Maconie saying the track was "'Panic' without the magnetism and the blinding self-confidence" and finished by saying "I would still chain myself to a disused railway line in Bacup for him, but the lad can do better" However in a retrospective review, Ned Raggett of AllMusic was much more favorable writing "Morrissey's performance is grand and passionate".
7" vinyl
- "The Last of the Famous International Playboys"
- "Lucky Lisp"
12" vinyl, compact disc and cassette
- "The Last of the Famous International Playboys"
- "Lucky Lisp"
- "Michaels Bones"
Etchings on vinyl
British 7" and 12": ESCAPE FROM VALIUM/RETURN TO VALIUM
Musicians
Live performances
The song was performed live by Morrissey on his 1991, 1992, 2007 and 2011 tours.
Video
The official video was directed by Tim Broad and was part of the compilation Hulmerist, which comprises seven videos made by Broad for Morrissey songs. It stars the actor Jason Rush, who had previously appeared in the 1987 television drama Two of Us, intercut with footage of the band performing against a green-screen backdrop.
2013 reissue
The single was reissued along with a remastered version of his 1991 album Kill Uncle on 8 April 2013. The single was released in three versions, backed by new live Morrissey songs recorded in June 2011 by the BBC.
The 7-inch single included "People Are The Same Everywhere (BBC live version)" while the CD included "Action Is My Middle Name (BBC live version)". "The Kid's A Looker (BBC live version)" was available via digital download.
On 7 February 2013, it was stated on Morrissey's official website that the single would not feature the album artwork it was initially intended to feature. The cover art was to feature a previously unseen 1992 photo of Morrissey and David Bowie appearing together in New York City. Bowie had demanded that the photo not be used by EMI UK.
Cover versions
The song was covered in 1994 by the Bent Backed Tulips, otherwise known as alt-pop band Dramarama. The version was acoustic, sung and played entirely by John Easdale, Dramarama's singer/songwriter. Its release was limited to a 7" vinyl single, and served as the B-side to "Tie Me Down".
Finnish band Russian Love made a cover version of the song on their fifth album, Gala Brutale, released by Zen Garden in 1996.
Pop punk band J Church covered the song on their album Nostalgic for Nothing.
NY Hardcore band Leeway covered the song on "The World Still Won't Listen" which was a compilation of hardcore and punk bands covering The Smiths and Morrissey songs.