The Pogues’ ‘Fairytale Of New York’ Listed Among UK’s Ten Biggest-Selling Vinyl Singles Of 2023
Just weeks after the death of The Pogues’ influential singer and songwriter Shane MacGowan, the band’s iconic Christmas hit Fairytale of New York has been listed among the best-selling vinyl singles of 2023 in the UK.
The track features at No.10 on the list, following The Beatles, boygenius, Aphex Twin, The Rolling Stones, three appearances by the Sex Pistols, Lana Del Rey, and Wham!, whose legendary festive hit, Last Christmas, finally grabbed the UK Christmas No. 1 slot 39 years after its initial release in 1984.
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Fairytale of New York – which was originally released as a single featuring Kirsty MacColl in 1987, before being included on The Pogues’ third album, If I Should Fall From Grace With God, the following year – was released as a special 7″ record late last year, in aid of the Dublin Simon Community, which helps homeless people back into society.
“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,” Emma Kilkenny, Head of Fundraising & Communications at Dublin Simon Community, commented in an official statement. “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.”
At the time of writing, Fairytale Of New York is at No.6 on the Official Singles Chart in the UK, having peaked at No.4 last month. The Beatles’ last song, Now And Then, is the No.1 best-selling vinyl single of 2023 in the UK – with 33,000 vinyl copies sold since its release last year.
Sex Pistols’ scored three spots in the Top 10, with Anarchy in the UK at No.5, Holidays In The Sun at No.6, and Pretty Vacant at No.9.
Buy The Pogues’ Vinyl and CDs at the Dig! store.