Late '88

"Late '88" is a single by the Scottish pop-rock band Deacon Blue, released on 29 November 2024 as the lead single from their eleventh studio album The Great Western Road. The release of the single coincided with the 40-year anniversary of the band’s formation, when vocalist Ricky Ross met drummer Dougie Vipond.

Release

Upon release, "Late ’88" was selected as Record of the Week and added to the A-list by BBC Radio 2.

The song was placed on the BBC Radio 2 A-list for six weeks. At a live performance reviewed by The Guardian at Brighton Centre, “Late ’88” was described as "a sweet slice of disco-infused pop," accompanied by nostalgic visuals of the band's youth.

"Late 88" debuted at number 73 on the UK Singles Sales Chart and 69 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart in the week of 30 January 2025, spending one week on each chart.