The Last Goodbye (Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel song)

In 2005, Harley recorded a new studio album with his current touring line-up of Cockney Rebel. Released in October 2005 by Gott Discs, The Quality of Mercy was the first studio album to be released under the band's name since 1976. Chosen as the only single from the album, "The Last Goodbye" was released in February 2006, and as Harley's first single since 2001's "A Friend for Life". "The Last Goodbye" peaked at No. 186 on the UK Top 200 Singles Chart during mid-February,[3] and also reached No. 21 on the UK Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50.[4]

The song, like the entire The Quality of Mercy album, was recorded at Gemini Recording Studios in Ipswich, and was mastered by Denis Blackham at Skye Mastering.[5]

"The Last Goodbye" was released by Gott Discs on 7" vinyl and CD in the UK only. Pinnacle Records handled the single's distribution.[2][6] The single's sleeve featured a close-up photograph of Harley, taken by Mick Rock. Both versions of the single featured the B-Side "Understand (Live)" - a seven-minute live recording, recorded at Blackheath Concert Hall in London during 2001.[5] "Understand" was originally recorded for the band's 1976 album Timeless Flight.[7] The live version was produced by Harley.

No music video was filmed to promote the single. During the band's 50+ date UK and European tour following the album's release, "The Last Goodbye" was featured in the set-list. Footage of the band performing the song live has since surfaced on YouTube.[8][9] In an online diary entry dated 14 November 2005, Harley spoke of performing the song at a concert in Holland: "Last night I sang "The Last Goodbye" entirely alone, largo, slow and dignified to open the show, until Robbie entered for a solo."[10]

Upon release, Birmingham 101 Gig Guide reviewed The Quality of Mercy and said: "Harley's in fine voice, and this album is easily the best thing he's done in years. Co-penned by ex-Rebel Jim Cregan, the opening track "The Last Goodbye" shows his ability to pen classic, radio friendly quality pop hasn't dimmed with the years".[11] Carol Clerk of Classic Rock commented: "The Quality of Mercy is brimful of songs that are intensely personal and sometimes harrowing but, musically, very approachable. The bright up-tempos of "The Last Goodbye" and the lovely, gentle melodies that carry "Journey's End (A Father's Promise)" and "A Friend for Life" offset the deep anxieties at the heart of the lyrics."[12] John Aizelwood of Q highlighted the song as one of three "Download" pick tracks from the album.[13]

Stein Østbø of the Norwegian website VG commented that Harley "still writes beautiful, melodic songs in a safe pop-rock landscape, including the initial "The Last Goodbye"".[14] Rune Westengen of the Norwegian website RB described the song as a "more rocking, Costello-like track."[15] In a review of the band's 2008 concert at the Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham Mail noted that the show opened with "the wonderful "The Last Goodbye"".[16]

7" Single

1. "The Last Goodbye" - 3:54
2. "Understand (Live)" - 7:03

CD Single

1. "The Last Goodbye" - 3:54
2. "Understand (Live)" - 7:03

The Last Goodbye

• Steve Harley - vocals, guitar, producer
• Robbie Gladwell - electric guitar
• Barry Wickens - acoustic guitar
• James Lascelles - keyboards
• Lincoln Anderson - bass
• Adam Houghton - drums
• Pat Grueber - recording engineer
• Matt Butler - remix engineer
• Denis Blackham - mastering

Understand (Live)

• Steve Harley - vocals, producer
• Robbie Gladwell - electric guitar, backing vocals
• Barry Wickens - acoustic guitar, backing vocals
• James Lascelles - piano
• Lincoln Anderson - bass
• Adam Houghton - drums
• Vikki Beebee - percussion, backing vocals

Other

• Asgard - representation
• Mick Rock - cover photo
• Mark Scarfe at Aarlsen - original sleeve design
• CLE Print - reprographics