FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK
by POGUES FEATURING KIRSTY MacCOLL


Firmly established as one of the UK’s all time favourite Christmas songs, Fairytale Of New York has returned to the Top 40 every year since 2005, but remains one of the most popular songs never to have reached the top of the chart. Originally released in 1987 and peaking at number 2 (and pipped to that year’s Christmas Number 1 by Pet Shop Boys’ Always On My Mind), the song was initially written by Pogues’ late frontman Shane MacGowan with fellow Pogues founder Jem Finer for the band’s 1986 debut album Poquetry In Motion, with the band’s bassist Cait O’Riordan on accompanying vocals. It wasn’t until the band began working with producer Steve Lilywhite that they recorded a version they were happy with, this time with Kirsty MacColl duetting with MacGowan. The sad death of MacGowan in November 2023 followed 23 years after MacColl’s passing, a week before Christmas in December 2000.

fairytale of new york cover shane macgowan

Music video

Official Charts logo Official Singles Chart

Chart facts

  • Peak position36
  • LabelPM
  • Catalogue numberYZ628
  • First Chart Date

Weeks on chart

  1. 0No1
  2. 0Top 10
  3. 0Top 20
  4. 2Top 40
  5. 5Top 75
  6. 5Top 100

Chart run

= Peak position = This week

5 weeks - 14/12/1991 to 11/01/1992

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