Shane MacGowan wife hopes Fairytale of New York Christmas number one

Shane MacGowan's widow wants 'Fairytale of New York' to be Christmas number one to honor him. The song has never reached number one.

Victoria Mary Clarke, the wife of the late Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan, expressed her hope that his iconic song Fairytale of New York would be the Christmas number one in his memory. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Clarke revealed that she was "very much in favour" of the track, which also features Kirsty MacColl, reaching the top spot. She emphasized that it would be a fitting tribute to MacGowan, who passed away at the age of 65 after a long battle with illness.

Fairytale of New York was originally released in 1987 and has never reached number one, only peaking at number two. However, the song has consistently returned to the top 10 every Christmas for the past six years, driven by streaming. Currently, it is climbing the chart again and is at number 18 in this week's rundown.

Clarke, 57, drew parallels between the tumultuous love story depicted in Fairytale of New York and her own marriage to MacGowan. She highlighted that the song reflects a love that has not gone wrong, despite the challenges faced in life, which she related to her own experience with her late husband.

Reflecting on MacGowan's struggles with addiction, Clarke admitted that she didn't fully understand the extent of his addiction when they first met. She revealed that his constant drinking throughout his life had taken a toll on his body, ultimately leading to his diagnosis of encephalitis.

During the interview, Clarke reminisced about her 16-year relationship with MacGowan, describing him as a romantic man who would express his love and admiration for her every day. She recalled how he would frequently buy her flowers and was always thoughtful and affectionate.

In a surprising revelation, Clarke shared that both she and MacGowan enjoyed watching programs about royalty, despite his status as an ardent republican. She described him as a "contradiction" due to his deep love for both England and Ireland, as well as his fascination with the Royal Family.

Overall, Clarke's heartfelt and candid interview offered a touching insight into her relationship with MacGowan and the enduring legacy of Fairytale of New York. As the song continues to resonate with audiences, it stands as a poignant tribute to the late musician and his enduring impact on the world of music.