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On this day, 22 November 1989 American musician Bob Mould principally known for his work as guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for alternative rock band Hüsker Dü, played Cardiff University.
The band dissolved after a show in Columbia, Missouri, on the band's 1987 tour. Grant Hart was trying to quit heroin using a supply of methadone, but the bottle had leaked. Hart still played the show, but Mould and Greg Norton were concerned he would be unable to play the remaining shows due to withdrawal.
While Hart insisted he could perform, Mould had already canceled the remaining dates. Hart quit the band four days later. Mould has said that the breakup was about "three people going their separate ways," referring to Hart's drug use and new relationship, Norton's recent marriage and new business, and Mould himself having just quit a lifelong drinking habit. Mould decided to officially end the band on January 26, 1988 during a discussion at Hart's parents' home.
Review - Adrian Colley - South Wales Echo
After Hüsker Dü broke up in 1988, Mould sequestered himself in a remote farmhouse in Pine City, Minnesota,having quit drinking and drugs, and wrote the songs that would make up his first solo album.
Signing to the newly formed Virgin Records America label, 1989's Workbook eschewed Mould's trademark wall-of-noise guitar for a lighter tone. Drummer Anton Fier (of The Feelies and later The Golden Palominos) and bassist Tony Maimone (of Pere Ubu) served as Mould's rhythm section.
The album peaked at number 127 on the Billboard 200 chart, and the single "See a Little Light" reached number 4 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
