First of the Gang to Die

Infobox Single
Name = First of the Gang to Die


Artist = Morrissey
from Album = You Are the Quarry
Released = July 9, 2004 (Ireland)
July 12, 2004 (UK)
May 13, 2004 (USA)
Format = 7", 12", CD, DVD
[ Recorded = ]
Genre = Rock
Length = 3:38
Label = Attack/Sanctuary
Writer = Morrissey, Alain Whyte
Producer = Jerry Finn
Chart position =
* #6 (UK)
* #12 (USA Sales Chart)
* #20 (Sweden)
* #57 (Canada)
* #83 (Germany)
Last single = "Irish Blood English Heart"
(2004)
This single = "First of the Gang to Die"
(2004)
Next single = "Let Me Kiss You"
(2004)

"First of the Gang to Die" is the title of a song written by Morrissey from his 2004 album "You Are the Quarry". It was released in July 2004 as the second single from the album. It was written by Morrissey along with Alain Whyte, the two being responsible for lyrics and music respectively. The song is thought widely to be a commentary on street crime and the fate it brings to those who participate in it. It was performed live by Morrissey on May 23rd, 2004, on Jools Holland's show, after a brief and awkward interview.

The single reached the number 6 spot in the UK singles chart, giving Morrissey two top hits in a row for the first time since "The Last of the Famous International Playboys" and "Interesting Drug" both reached the top ten in 1989.

Track listings

7" vinyl & CD (UK)

# "First Of The Gang To Die"
# "My Life Is A Succession Of People Saying Goodbye"

DVD

# "First Of The Gang To Die (live Manchester 22 May 2004)(Video)"
# "First Of The Gang To Die" (Audio)
# "Teenage Dad On His Estate" (Audio)
# "Mexico" (Audio)

CD (USA) & 12" vinyl (UK)

# "First Of The Gang To Die"
# "My Life Is A Succession Of People Saying Goodbye"
# "Teenage Dad On His Estate"
# "Mexico"

Musicians

* Steven Patrick Morrissey: Voice
* Alain Whyte: Guitars
* Boz Boorer: Guitars
* Gary Day: Bass
* Deano Butterworth: Drums
* Roger Manning: Keyboards

Live

The song was performed live by Morrissey on his 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007 tours. It also appears on the live DVD, 'Who Put the M in Manchester?'. As of 2008 it is the most frequently played Morrissey song.

See also

* Morrissey discography

External links

* " [http://www.passionsjustlikemine.com/disc/moz-d45fotgtd.htm First of the Gang to Die] " at [http://www.passionsjustlikemine.com/ Passions Just Like Mine]