Shane MacGowan Christmas tribute: Fairytale of New York to be released on 7” vinyl for charity

Virgin Radio

14 Dec 2023, 12:08

In a heartwarming tribute to the late Shane MacGowan, The Pogues, along with the support of Shane's widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, are releasing their iconic Christmas classic, Fairytale of New York, as a charity 7" vinyl single.

All profits from the sales of this special edition will be dedicated to Dublin Simon Community, a charity that held a special place in Shane and Victoria's hearts.

The decision to release Fairytale of New York as a charity single is not just a celebration of the beloved Christmas anthem but also a heartfelt endeavour to propel it to the coveted number one position on the charts.

Despite being a perennial favourite during the festive season, the track has surprisingly never secured the Christmas number one spot.

Originally released in 1987, it reached a chart high of number two, narrowly missing the top spot held by the Pet Shop Boys' Always On My Mind.

In a recent interview on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, Victoria Mary Clarke expressed her sentiment, saying: "It would be nice, wouldn't it? It should be the Christmas number one. It absolutely should."

The decision to support Dublin Simon Community, a charity dedicated to combating homelessness for almost 55 years, reflects the compassionate legacy left by Shane MacGowan.

Emma Kilkenny, Head of Fundraising & Communications at Dublin Simon Community, conveyed gratitude to The Pogues and Shane MacGowan's family for their generosity in creating a special legacy for the charity.

In her own words, Kilkenny said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to The Pogues and Shane McGowan's family for their generosity in creating such a special legacy for Dublin Simon Community with this release. Music is an emotional and visceral gift that can lift spirits and bring hope to people at their lowest point.

“We share the truly magical memory of Shane’s performance at the very special Christmas Busk recorded in St Patrick’s Cathedral during Covid lockdown. The Christmas Eve Busk is a beating heart at the core of Dublin Simon’s fundraising and Shane was always a very welcome and truly amazing addition to this special event.”

The 7" single, available for pre-order, features Fairytale of New York on the A-side and an instrumental version on the B-side. Each purchase contributes £6 / €6.90 to Dublin Simon Community, furthering the organisation's mission to end and prevent homelessness.

Although Fairytale of New York has never clinched the Christmas number one spot, it has made the Top 20 an impressive 21 times, including this year.

The enduring appeal of this beautiful duet between Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl lies in its poignant storytelling, depicting a couple facing hardships during the holiday period with a mix of hope and despair.

The track, with its unmistakable melodies, defies traditional Christmas song norms and has secured a lasting place in the hearts of fans.

Dublin Simon Community, founded over five decades ago, continues to work tirelessly to end and prevent homelessness.

Originally established as a soup run by students from Trinity & UCD, the organisation upholds values of community, respect, inclusion, and non-judgment.

The Simon Christmas Eve Busk, a tradition spanning more than a decade, serves as a vital fundraising event, surviving the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Shane MacGowan, a stalwart supporter of the Busk, lent his talents and voice to champion the cause of those experiencing homelessness, leaving an indelible mark on the event's history.

As Fairytale of New York takes on a charitable mantle, it becomes not only a celebration of Shane MacGowan's musical legacy but also a beacon of hope for those in need.

The charity single embodies the spirit of giving and solidarity, ensuring that the magic of Shane's music continues to make a positive impact long after his passing.

The 7” single is available to pre-order now from HERE