Fans rally for The Pogues' Fairytale of New York to claim Christmas Number 1 following Shane MacGowan's death

Fans of The Pogues are backing Fairytale of New York for the 2023 Official Christmas Number 1 single, following the death of the group's frontman Shane MacGowan, aged 65.

MacGowan's father Maurice, sister Siobhan and wife Victoria May Clarke announced the news of his death in a joint statement yesterday (November 30).

They said: "It is with the deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Shane MacGowan. Shane died peacefully at 3am this morning (30 November, 2023) with his wife Victoria and family by his side. Prayers and the last rites were read which gave comfort to his family."

Now, fans are rallying behind The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl's iconic hit to honour the singer; hoping it could become this year's Christmas Number 1.

MORE: Every Christmas Number 1 single ever

Fans are flooding social media with calls to get Fairytale of New York that coveted Christmas Number 1.

Taking to X/Twitter, one fan wrote: "Shane MacGowan, you delivered unto us - in my humble opinion - the greatest Christmas song of all time. If Fairytale of New York can't be Christmas Number 1 now....then when? It is so overdue for that top spot and it would be a fitting tribute to the man."

Another paid tribute, saying: "RIP an absolute legend. Let’s get Fairytale of New York to number one."

"Let’s have Fairytale of New York finally get Christmas Number 1 in memory of Shane MacGowan…," said another.

Despite its status as somewhat of a festive classic, the song, first released in 1982, has never reached the top of the Official Singles Chart.

The track peaked at Number 2 on its release in 1987; being held off the summit by the Pet Shop Boys' Always On My Mind.

MORE: The 2023 Christmas Number 1 contenders

Though it might not have reached Number 1, Fairytale of New York has become a much-beloved Christmas staple in the UK, and regularly re-enters the Top 10 every festive season. In total, Fairytale of New York has spent 84 weeks in the Top 10, a number surely set to rise as the music world mourns the loss of one of its most original and fiery voices.

What could be better to celebrate MacGowan's life and legacy than securing the song the most important Number 1 of the year? Get caught up with everything #XmasNo1 here.

Article image: Getty