Morrissey: Wolverhampton '88 1988
Captured in vibrant black-and-white, Morrissey: Wolverhampton '88 (1988) documents the legendary singer's first solo performance at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall on December 22, 1988.
Director: Tim Broad
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Morrissey: Wolverhampton '88 (1988) about?
This concert film captures Morrissey's first solo performance, marking a pivotal transition from The Smiths to his own musical identity. Filmed in Wolverhampton on December 22, 1988, the 50-minute setlist blends iconic Smiths tracks with new solo material, all while hinting at a bittersweet farewell to his former bandmates.
Who directed Morrissey: Wolverhampton '88?
The film was directed by Tim Broad, a filmmaker known for documenting live music and cultural moments of the era.
Who stars in Morrissey: Wolverhampton '88?
The live performance features Morrissey alongside former Smiths members Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce, and Craig Gannon.
Is Morrissey: Wolverhampton '88 (1988) worth watching?
As a cultural artifact of indie music history, this film is a must-see for Morrissey and Smiths fans. It offers a rare glimpse into a transitional moment, packed with emotional performances and historical weight. Even without a formal rating, its significance speaks volumes.
How long is Morrissey: Wolverhampton '88?
The concert runs for 50 minutes.
About Morrissey: Wolverhampton '88 (1988) — The Historic Solo Debut That Changed Everything
Captured in vibrant black-and-white, Morrissey: Wolverhampton '88 (1988) documents the legendary singer's first solo performance at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall on December 22, 1988. Directed by Tim Broad, this 50-minute concert film showcases Morrissey alongside former Smiths bandmates Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce, and Craig Gannon, delivering a raw and emotionally charged setlist. The evening blends bittersweet nostalgia with the raw energy of post-Smiths transition, hinting at an unofficial farewell to the iconic band's era. With themes of departure, reinvention, and musical defiance, the film pulses with the unmistakable atmosphere of late-'80s indie culture—intimate yet electric, poetic yet defiant.
This historic gig, originally a free entry show tied to a Smiths fan initiative, has since become a sought-after artifact for die-hard fans and music historians alike. The setlist reads like a tour through Morrissey's emotional landscape, from the defiant anthem "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" to the hauntingly personal "Sweet and Tender Hooligan." Broadcast in a classic live format, the footage preserves a moment where legacy hung in the balance—and where one voice stepped confidently into the unknown.