It's an amazing song and for 20 years it's familiar sound has signaled the arrival of the Christmas season. The Fairytale Of New York regularly tops the polls in the UK and Ireland as the best Christmas song ever ever, and it's just as loved over here.
So now, twenty years after it was released, this classic Christmas single by the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl
has suddenly become offensive. At least, according to the BBC. They've
been bleeping the dirty 'F' word that Kirsty uses for McGowan. Not that
F word... the other one. Possibly political correctness gone too far,
again, but not for me to judge.
If you're still confused watch the video below... and keep an eye out for Kevin Dillon as the cop throwing McGowan in the drunk tank.
And spare a thought for Kirsty... twas 7 years ago today she was tragically killed. RIP.
The good news is that the BBC controversy has led to a spike in sales for the rereleased single in the UK, so it might keep some useless X Factor or Pop Idol crap off the top of the charts.
The song can be found on both If I Should Fall From Grace With God and The Ultimate Collection (2CD). Well worth the few quid.
BTW - a fantastic live version on YouTube with The Pogues and Kirsty on St Patricks Day, 1988 in the snow... from NY I think. Not 100% sure though.
Not exactly a pretty face but the passion is plain to see.
