VIA PRESS RELEASE | A live recording of The Pogues’ timeless Christmas classic, “Fairytale Of New York” from Glasgow Barrowland’s in December 1987 has been rejuvenated by the band and the track’s original producer Steve Lillywhite. This newly released live version is available to stream now.
With the original version recently voted the nation’s favourite ’80s duet by BBC Radio 2 listeners, this unreleased live version will be available on a Limited Edition 12” Zoetrope vinyl EP featuring imagery based on the iconic “Fairytale of New York” music video. Alongside this live recording, the EP includes the original and an instrumental version of the track, and a live version of “Dirty Old Town” taken from the same show. The EP will also be available on streaming and download platforms from December 12.
This recording of “Fairytale of New Yor” is a hugely significant moment in the history of the track. The original version was recorded in August 1987 and released on 23 November. This performance at the Glasgow Barrowland on 17 December that same year was the first time the band played it live and was the first time Kirsty MacColl had ever performed the track with them. Steve, who was married to Kirsty at the time, recorded the performance himself from the mixing desk and it oozes with the raw energy of a Pogues show.
Opening with the crowd chanting Kirsty’s name after she had just simply walked on stage, the track kicks in with that now unmistakable piano intro and Shane’s vocal, the crowd’s presence apparent throughout and then the band kick in—slightly faster than the recorded version—and then Kirsty’s brilliant opening vocal retort hits with conviction!
The track’s energy is palpable. The band entices a crowd, Shane and Kirsty are vocalists in the absolute moment performing with the passion as to which the song was written. Incredibly, at the time Kirsty was crippled with stage fright but there are no signs of it in her performance!
The original recording was incredibly rough but with enhancements in technology and addition production, it has allowed Steve—some 37 years on, to bring this joyous and historic moment back to life whilst keeping its visceral energy.
Steve Lillywhite, “Rediscovering and reworking this performance has been a real labour of love. The original tapes were really rough but it held this energy, power and rawness that it had to be reworked. At the time we had no idea what this track would go on to become, you look back and the pride I feel for having been part of it.”
