THE POGUES' classic Fairytale of New York is officially the most played Christmas song this century.
Music body PPL has been totaling up every public airing of the song in Britain since 2000 - including plays on the radio, TV, and as background music in shops, bars, gyms, and restaurants. And the Irish band's festive favourite, released in 1987, came out top.
Although the song never reached number one in the charts in Britain it is played around the world every Christmas. It has also been featured in the UK’s top 20 chart on seven occasions.
The Pogues performed the song live last night at London#s Brixton Academy, where they will also play tonight.
Jonathan Morrish, spokesman with PPL, said Fairytale of New York is a timeless classic which everyone knows and rightfully deserves its place at the top spot”.
Here’s the list of “The most played Christmas songs”:
1. Fairytale of New York (1987), The Pogues
2. Last Christmas (1984), Wham
3. All I Want for Christmas is You (1994), Mariah Carey
4. I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday (1973), Wizzard
5. Do They Know it's Christmas? (1984), Band Aid
6. Merry Xmas Everybody (1973), Slade
7. Driving Home for Christmas (1988), Chris Rea
8. Step into Christmas (1973), Elton John
9. The Power of Love (1984), Frankie Goes To Hollywood
10. Merry Christmas Everyone (1985), Shakin' Stevens
See More: Christmas, Music, Shane MacGowan, The Pogues
