Fairytale of New York in Chart Battle in Ireland and UK for Christmas Number One
Fairytale of New York, the iconic Christmas song by The Pogues featuring the late Shane MacGowan, is vying for the top spot on the Christmas charts in both the UK and Ireland. Following the recent passing of MacGowan, the song has seen a surge in popularity, currently sitting at number three on the UK singles chart, behind Wham!’s Last Christmas and Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You.
Since the announcement of MacGowan’s death, Fairytale of New York has climbed a remarkable 15 places in the UK chart, making it a serious contender for this year’s Christmas number one. In Ireland, the song has been a constant presence in the top 10 during the festive season since 2011, so it’s highly likely to enjoy the same success there.
The coveted title of Christmas number one in both countries will be announced on December 22, less than three weeks from now.
A Brief Chart History of Fairytale of New York
Fairytale of New York, a duet between Shane MacGowan and the late Kirsty MacColl, has consistently entered the Irish and UK top 20 every Christmas since 2005. Upon its initial release in 1987, this beloved festive classic reached the number one spot in Ireland, only to be surpassed by the Pet Shop Boys’ Always on My Mind in the UK charts that year.
Despite its enduring popularity, Fairytale of New York has never claimed the top spot on the UK charts, peaking only at number two. However, it remains a five-time platinum hit, with over 3 million units sold in the UK, and has spent a staggering 84 weeks in the UK top 10.
This year, however, there is a strong possibility that the song will finally reach the pinnacle of the charts. The passing of Shane MacGowan last Thursday, at the age of 65, has undoubtedly reignited public interest in the timeless ballad. In a joint statement, MacGowan’s father Maurice, sister Siobhan, and wife Victoria Mary Clarke announced the sad news, expressing their grief and acknowledging the significant influence MacGowan had on the music world.
Victoria Mary Clarke, in an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, reflected on her life with MacGowan and expressed her hope that Fairytale of New York would secure the UK Christmas number one spot, saying, It would be nice, wouldn’t it? It should be the Christmas number one. It absolutely should.
Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this year’s Christmas chart battle, as the legacy of Shane MacGowan and the timeless magic of Fairytale of New York continue to captivate audiences year after year.
The news of MacGowan’s passing has brought renewed attention to his extraordinary talent and the enduring power of his music. As the anticipation builds for the Christmas charts, there is no doubt that Fairytale of New York will forever hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers, ensuring Shane MacGowan’s legacy remains immortal.
The magical song, with its bittersweet lyrics and captivating melody, has become an emblem of the holiday season, a testament to the enduring spirit of love, hope, and the magic that surrounds Christmas.
So let the countdown to Christmas number one begin, as Fairytale of New York enchants listeners and captures the essence of the holiday season like no other song can.
