The Last of the Famous International Playboys
| "The Last of the Famous International Playboys" | ||||
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| Single by Morrissey | ||||
| from the album Bona Drag (compilation) | ||||
| Released | 30 January 1989 (UK) | |||
| Format | 7", 12", CD, cassette | |||
| Genre | Alternative rock | |||
| Length | 3:37 | |||
| Label | HMV (UK) | |||
| Morrissey singles chronology | ||||
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| Professional ratings | |
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| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   |
"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".
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.
British 7" and 12": ESCAPE FROM VALIUM/RETURN TO VALIUM
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, Ned Raggett of AllMusic was much more favorable writing "Morrissey's performance is grand and passionate".
The song was performed live by Morrissey on his 1991, 1992, 2007 and 2011 tours.
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.
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