About this episode

This episode explores the making of the Pogues' classic Christmas single 'Fairytale of New York' with insights from producer Steve Lillywhite and band members.

In celebration of the Pogues’ 'Fairytale of New York' EP, we take a detailed look at how their classic Christmas single came together. The Pogues originally formed in London in 1982 by Shane MacGowan, Spider Stacy and Jem Finer. MacGowan had gotten his start playing in the punk band, the Nipple Erectors, and when that band broke up, he began playing in an Irish traditional music style. Gradually, he brought in James Fearnley, Cait O’Riordan and John Hasler to become a sextet. Andrew Ranken replaced John Hasler as they signed with Stiff Records. Their debut album, Red Roses for Me, was released in 1984. For their second album, they added Philip Chevron on guitar and hired Elvis Costello as their producer. Rum Sodomy & the Lash was released in 1985, and they continued working with Costello for the Poguetry in Motion EP, released in 1986. At this point, Cait O’Riordan left the band and they updated the lineup to include Darryl Hunt and Terry Woods. They signed to Island Records and hired Steve Lillywhite to produce their third album. If I Should Fall from Grace with God was eventually released in 1988 and included the Christmas single, “Fairytale of New York.” In this episode, Steve…

People in this episode

Guest: Steve Lillywhite

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Pogues, Stiff Records, Island Records, Nipple Erectors

Books & works: Fairytale of New York, Red Roses for Me, Rum Sodomy & the Lash, Poguetry in Motion, If I Should Fall from Grace with God

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