FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK
by THE POGUES FT 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 Poguetry 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.
A swell of support around Shane MacGowan's passing has seen fans of The Pogues hoping that 2023 could be the year that Fairytale Of New York finally goes all the way and lands the coveted Christmas Number 1 as a fitting tribute to the frontman. See the full list of 2023 Christmas Number 1 contenders.
Music video
Official Singles Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position2
- LabelPOGUE MAHONE
- Catalogue numberNY7
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 0No. 1
- 33Top. 10
- 75Top. 20
- 89Top. 40
- 113Top. 75
- 126Top. 100
Chart run
Buy
Official Singles Chart Update
Chart facts
- Peak position3
- LabelWARNER BROS
- Catalogue numberGBAHT8703085
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 0No. 1
- 24Top. 10
- 35Top. 20
- 40Top. 40
- 48Top. 75
- 55Top. 100
Chart run
Buy
Official Singles Sales Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position2
- LabelWARNER BROS
- Catalogue numberGBAHT8703085
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 0No. 1
- 7Top. 10
- 29Top. 20
- 47Top. 40
- 57Top. 75
- 65Top. 100
Chart run
Buy
Official Singles Downloads Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position1
- LabelWARNER BROS
- Catalogue numberGBAHT8703085
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 1No. 1
- 18Top. 10
- 60Top. 20
- 88Top. 40
- 105Top. 75
- 122Top. 100
Chart run
Buy
Official Physical Singles Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position3
- LabelWARNER BROS
- Catalogue numberWEA400CD
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 0No. 1
- 5Top. 10
- 17Top. 20
- 35Top. 40
- 57Top. 75
- 75Top. 100
Chart run
1 week - 25/12/2010
1 week - 17/03/2012
1 week - 09/02/2013
1 week - 28/09/2013
1 week - 12/10/2013
1 week - 09/11/2013
1 week - 30/11/2013
1 week - 18/01/2014
1 week - 16/08/2014
1 week - 13/09/2014
1 week - 18/10/2014
1 week - 17/01/2015
1 week - 21/02/2015
1 week - 14/03/2024
Buy
Official Vinyl Singles Chart
End of Year Singles Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position73
- LabelWARNER BROS
- Catalogue numberWEA400CD
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 0No. 1
- 0Top. 10
- 0Top. 20
- 0Top. 40
- 3Top. 75
- 5Top. 100
Chart run
1 week - 05/01/2008
1 week - 31/12/2021
1 week - 01/01/2023
Buy
Join the conversation by joining the Official Charts community and dropping comment.
Already registered?
Log in
No account?
Register