In Honour of Shane MacGowan.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Rest in Peace, Shane MacGowan.

[@juanitasamz6259]

Now cracks a noble heart . Good night sweet Shane and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

[@JanMac-so7uy]

Justin, could you do a wee vid about legendary and influential Killing Joke guitarist Kevin ''Geordie'' Walker who passed away suddenly last weekend ?

[@thekaratekidpartii2169]

That is Matt Dillon. Also, the "military band" is part of the NYPD choir referenced in the song. NB: The New York Police Department doesn't actually have a choir. So in the music video, they enlisted the NYPD's Emerald Society Popes and Drums group. They didn't know 'Galway Bay' so they're actually singing the 'Mickey Mouse March', carefully edited in the film so you can't tell.

[@jamieroach5755]

it was matt dillion lol

[@jamieroach5755]

that was a great tribute justin , top man

[@ethancleary]

We call it a “tin whistle” in the midlands of Ireland. His passing has effected me more than I thought, bringing back memories of being stuck in pubs when I was a little lad gulping down Cidona while the adults were getting hammered on Harp and belting out MacGowan songs. He’s one of the few musicians that I have listened to consistently since childhood. No one else like him really.

[@eibhlinnichrualoai]

same xx💚☘️🇮🇪🙏

[@kenboslice8031]

It’s a funny one isn’t it watching the legends leave us, loved the man so I did lost my brother last year on 31st of October and Shane leaving us has brought a lot of the up I think. 🇮🇪

[@noelmcinerney8411]

Same here 😉😀👍💚🇮🇪

[@PeoplePlacesRocknRoll]

Same.

[@porridge_raider]

We call it a tin whistle everywhere. Piccolo had me chortling 😂

[@TLF1]

Shane McGowan was the most Generous Man. Shane gave thousands to Homeless people all his Life.

[@martintraynor9938]

"i built my dreams around you" one of the most beautiful lyrics ever written.

[@michaelward5370]

I've always loved that line too!!

[@martintraynor9938]

brings tears to my eyes every time i hear it. @@michaelward5370

[@Oxsasuna]

So true

[@swham1]

I’ve listened to this song 78 times today…. I’m so in for the 79th….

[@roberttruman8444]

“Can’t make it out alone, I’ve built my dreams around you” - You just don’t hear lyrics like that. They’re unbelievably thought provoking and unashamedly genuine and honest. That guy really was living HIS life!

[@denpobedy7881]

lil too much of art imitating life in my case. Miss you, Anya.

[@kevtb874]

"..all alone" because "out alone" makes no sense.

[@michaelpower4372]

Any time I say that to the wife 🗣 she goes off on one.

[@rhabdob3895]

You cant prove that he ever said that. I mean, just by his recordings or performances as reference.

[@pinpinponpon1053]

He should of done a version of "My way". Along with Sid Vicious´s one, it would of been 100% authentic.

[@KellyDeanAllenGuitar]

No one, and i mean no one, had quite the lyrical knack for the perfect opening line to a song. He was an absolutely brilliant lyricist / poet.

[@eoinmcmahon966]

Speaking of the greatest duets, Shane had another one of the greatest duets with someone else who we tragically lost too early - Haunted, with Sinead O'Connor. RIP Shane.

[@Rose-jz6sx]

Yes that's one of the best ever. So beautiful.

[@SocialNetwooky]

He had another great one with someone who isn't dead yet. His duet with Nick Cave is one to be remembered.

[@philtration-Em11]

Difference is, Shane never sold out. lol

[@roller325]

He was buried on her birthday too. RIP to both. Hope they're in peace now.

[@eoghanfla6343]

Haunted by the ghost is one of the most amazing songs ever recorded. It’s such a shame that we have now lot both of them.

[@robsawalker]

Shane was one of the greatest. Few musicians can make me cry with their lyrics but Shane could.

[@rambostips1612]

I think the reason this song is so good is because it resonates across the masses. Everyone knows Christmas should be a time of love, happiness and forgiveness...but we have also seen what happens at Christmas. Love, hate, new relationships forming and old relationships falling apart. Family dinners and family arguments. It's a time that highlights the duality of man. Shows our best aspirations and our drink demons.

[@johnfeldmann3904]

One of the greatest songs ever written. Transports me to the ‘80’s in NYC. RIP Shane. And yes, that is Matt Dillon.

[@spamdatgd6326]

Yes it is unmistakably Matt Dillon! RIP Shane

[@thetwoboyos8366]

Seemingly Matt Dillon had a huge crush on Caít O'Riordan and hung around with the pogues a lot ...Thats how he come to get a part in the video of Fairytale....

[@danculbert6349]

@@thetwoboyos8366 Wasn't she married to Elvis Costello? So many connections

[@Momcat_maggiefelinefan]

I had the privilege of meeting Shane and the boys in Toronto, Canada when they were touring for “If I Should Fall From Grace”. Before the concert they were in a record store, where I took my CD and stood in line to meet the band. They all signed the disc liner, and I have it framed. The best part was Shane at the end of the row of musicians. I told him the Pogues were my favourite band and he jumped up and kissed me! I treasure that kiss as much as I treasure the man! 🇨🇦🖖🏻🇨🇦

[@Darren_Kelly]

I can't count the amount of times I've stayed up until the early hours on my own, listening to Shane McGowan and the Pogues whilst I attempt to get to the bottom of a bottle of Whiskey, singing along as I get increasingly drunk. I shall do the same tonight and dedicate each glass to Shane. RIP, a true legend that can never be replaced.

[@pamelawatson2366]

Slange❤

[@MarlonButler-b9t]

Ahhh, that's what I like to see; that whiskEy ain't for me, 'til you add that extra E. Wonder if any 'mericans catch my drift. BTW, None of my family told me of everyone's loss, worried about how'd I take it. I'm 42 (but lived this life style). Anyhoo, ever more the reason for this song to be played.

[@johnnyjohnsonmusic]

"He was a true poet, and our poets should be treasured, because without the poets all we have left are cunts" a very wise man once said that.

[@franhunter4701]

My favourite Mac Gowan song is A Rainy Night in Soho. It’s a self biographical lament. A love song to alcohol. Not sympathy seeking in any way. Simply a beautifully written song by a true poet. I know it may not be one of his most famous but it’s definitely worth a listen. RIP Shane Mac Gowan.

[@craiganderson275]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@loveless3578]

Hearing that song brings back tons of memories of my son's father. We were a couple drunk punk street kids who were madly in love and he would (poorly) sing to me a lot. The Pogues, this song in particular, was one of his favorites and we would sing it together. He died 14 years ago and I haven't really been able to listen to them since. But if ever were a time, it would be today. Nice tribute, Justin.

[@magikclown]

It really isn't my favourite. A girlfriend ditched me for the bassist out of the Pogues on Christmas eve. It was a shit Christmas then and every single Christmas for the last thirty years, this stupid song pops up to remind me.

[@the_panos]

​@@magikclownI mean... That's pretty funny

[@AndySalinger33]

@loveless3578 Even 14 years later, I’m sorry for your loss. I know of grief, myself. Years don’t mean anything. I just wish you one day can change your screen name to “thoroughly loved3578”. Best. x

[@stalfithrildi5366]

Thank you for sharing this, the years don't make it easy for sure.

[@southysmototonysouthwell1779]

It is Matt Dillon. Wonderful tribute Justin, thank you. I've been up all night in Australia listening to Shane. I saw Victoria post his death notice on instagram ❤ As much as his death could be seen coming, I'm still broken-hearted by the news❤

[@dankingjr.2088]

If you had told me in 1991 that Shane MacGowan would live until 2023, I'd have laughed in your face. Man he had talent, and damn did he have issues. RIP dude.

[@peoplevrobot]

RIP Shane MacGowan… we all listen to Fairytale of NY every year, but he wrote so many amazing songs… Thousands are Sailing, Rain Street, Rainy Night in Soho, to name only a few… Give them a listen…. He was one of Ireland’s best

[@urbangorilla33]

A Pair of Brown Eyes is great too.

[@VariousJams]

Phil Chevron wrote Thousands Are Sailing

[@robertloader9826]

Faggot an old Irish term btw - you’d be called a ‘little faggot’ or a tinker often by your Nan. Not related to the American homophobic term at all.

[@davekennedy6315]

He was born in Pembury, Kent, so he was a Brit! Lived the majority of his life in London too i believe.

[@29memyselfandi]

Not Thousands Are Sailing old chap.

[@aprilkurtz1589]

Rest In Power, Shane. The Pogues were amazing. My s/o turned me on to Kirsty McColl, I was amazed at her voice and became a huge fan, too. The guy who killed her was never prosecuted. This is such a great song. It's so sad they're both gone now. It's been a shit year for losing people. I lost my coolest brother. I suddenly lost my little sister right before Halloween. Never thought I'd be the last one standing. This song, along with others held a lesson for me....Tell the people that you love that you love them. And Justin, big thanks to The Darkness who are helping me through this hellacious time. Music soothes the savage grief.

[@willywonka7812]

Never prosecuted because he was one of the ultra rich. Capitalism offers them carte blanche so why should they countenance change

[@SweetPandora326]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother and your little sister. 💐

[@aprilkurtz1589]

@@SweetPandora326Thanks much.

[@martinmcdonald4207]

That`s a simple little Tin Whistle. R.I.P. Shane and thank you so much for some of the best songs of our time. Slainte.

[@jhedges8301]

Dirty Old Town is in my top 3 favorite songs of all time. Shane didn't have the most beautiful voice, and he wasn't the most beautiful man, but he wrote the most beautiful words and performed them with real style and emotion. RIP.

[@gawentaylor6838]

A legacy of the late great Ewan MColl, Dirty Old Town written about his home town of Salford.

[@pearlhartney9]

Lovely tribute! It's called a penny whistle. Just started crying at the lyric "In the drunk tank, An old man said to me won't see another one". Cause it's so poinient. Shane spent his life an alchoholic and he won't be seeing another Christmas. So sad. RIP Shane.

[@Sidewayzview]

It's a tin whistle, a penny whistle is similar but alot larger

[@murpho999]

@@Sidewayzviewa tin whistle and a penny whistle are the same thing. Although people in Ireland usually just say tin whistle.

[@Sidewayzview]

@@murpho999 no a penny whistle is not the same it a larger version of a tin whistle and some are one complete piece of metal with the reed built into it, I have a few of both

[@jc3drums916]

@@Sidewayzview The two names refer to a category of instrument, not two specific types. If you google penny whistle, you'll see that EVERYONE uses the two interchangeably.

[@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek]

English instrument😊

[@darzdogz]

Such a sad year for Irish music; we lost Christy Dignam of Aslan in June, Sinéad in July, and now Shane. So many of our greats in such a short time 😢

[@lukewoodend9646]

A fitting tribute to a great man. You're selling yourself short, by the way. The Darkness' Christmas song is up there with the best ever. It's second on my Christmas playlist, second only to Fairytale of New York. Be proud of it, it's a classic.

[@cillianbourke]

I met Shane in Tokyo a few times. The Japanese loved the Pogues. Those gigs were really punk. Lot of crowd surfing and really raucous carry on which was really rare in Japan. Those songs create such a range of emotions for me. A real deal punk rock star. RIP Shane ❤

[@cillianbourke]

It’s Spider playing the Tim Whistle They cost about 2 quid from any souvenir store

[@marciah0312]

I shed so many tears for Shane this morning; devastated by his passing. But what a legacy he left! I could barely listen to "Fairytale of New York" and I agree: it's a masterpiece. Thanks so much (and love your sweater) 💙

[@FintanMoloney]

Thank you Justin for covering this. As an Irish man I have always loved Shane's songs. A modern day poet.

[@paddrig2kk7]

* * * * It is Matt Dillon ... and the whistle is called a feadóg ... absolutely awesome Christmas song

[@gammal586]

This was a beautiful little tribute. Probably the most beautiful and unpretentious I've seen. And you're absolutely right, there's no better Christmas song, no one's even close. And i doubt there will ever be one.

[@neilwilson5785]

Justin does that. He's just enjoying the music.

[@kevinthomas4074]

He's full of himself.

[@royroyston8480]

The best always die young. In Shane’s case, it feels like we’ve been robbed because he’s gone at 65. Was lucky enough to see them live a few times. RIP Shane, a giant of Irish music and culture.

[@davidlinehat4657]

You're right, 65 is young, but I remember feeling compelled to see him when I was 14 bc I was a fan and everyone thought his days were numbered. That was 1998. I'm so happy he lasted longer and I really don't mean to demean your comment bc I honestly love Shane. I just want to say how grateful I am that he lived 30 extra years

[@royroyston8480]

@@davidlinehat4657 You're not demeaning it at all. I know exactly what you mean. I saw the Pogues in the Mean Fiddler in Harlesden in 1999, and I remember thinking he was not in great shape back then. I'm so grateful too that he lived as long as he did because many didn't think he would. Listen to their music and smile. I've been listening to Rum, Sodomy and the Lash all day today. His poetry and music will live as long as human beings play and listen to music, and that will be forever.

[@geraintwynjones]

Saw the Pogues on March 7th 1988 and Kirsty McCall joined them on stage and sang this one song. It was my first gig as a 16 year old and still regard it as my favourite. Many years later spent an evening at a pub in North London and there was Shane at the end of the bar drinking pints of Martini! Unbeliveable. You are correct it is Matt Dillon in the video too.

[@clarewild5196]

Greatest duet of all time. Greatest Christmas song of all time. RIP legends ❤❤

[@sarahdean6441]

Yes, greatest duet ever. Rest in peace Shane and Kirsty. 🍀

[@brownsey1]

Cheers, Justin. Between this tribute and the one for Sinéad, I dip my hat to you. Shane speaks not only to the Irish diaspora experience but he speaks for Ireland itself. Fairytale of New York effectively shapes memories of Christmas for many, in Ireland as well as abroad I imagine. I have a distinct memory of being on the sesh in Dublin February one year, and we started belting out The Pogues when we got back to our apartment. We ended up belting out Fairytale and had it on repeat for ages haha!

[@jamesgogarty2349]

The pogues for me are more than "fairytale" coming from an Irish family. They were a staple in our house growing up, but I also found them myself through my love of punk, where Shane started out, I was driving from Newcastle to London when I found out, so was playing them all the way down. We had the Pogues playing at my Dad's funeral, so this has hit me on so many levels, RIP Shane, RIP Dad. 💔 🇮🇪

[@paulfildes5489]

Very sad to hear the news that Shane McGowan has died. He was a lyrical genius …with his songs about chancers, drinkers, lovers, poets and scoundrels. He invented a new style of music that combined punk attitude with traditional Irish rhythms. RIP.

[@te9591]

Chancers?

[@dravendean8710]

​@@te9591?

[@te9591]

@@dravendean8710 what is a chancer?

[@ryderdeyn]

​@@te9591A scoundrel?

[@alicee3670]

@@te9591someone who takes chances?

[@seppmaier3050]

RIP Shane MacGowan.😢 The Pogues have been one of my favorite bands since my dad introduced me "If I should fall from grace with good". That also awoke my love to irish folk music. Thanks Shane. Cheers from Germany

[@paulhamj6175]

Wow! I could have written this comment! We are kindred spirits, friend.

[@Reid_Jorgensen]

Lovely tribute Justin...now off to listen and remember the Pogues. 🙏

[@StephenDukenski]

Singing along to this today has got me crying. I hope this Christmas everyone can just enjoy music and art and people and pageantry and buffoonery. Life is short and the psychopaths in charge want to make it shorter.

[@HalfwayJac]

I love this comment and just want to keep coming back to it. Merry Christmas

[@YTPartyTonight]

Shane MacGowan lived to 65; Kissinger to 100. The good really do die younger.

[@robson195]

Thanks for that tribute Justin. A sad day indeed. What a song and what a life. A life well lived

[@nikkotate7541]

Can’t listen to that song without crying. It’s perfect.

[@davidlinehat4657]

I'm second generation Irish American and Shane's music brought me into Irish folk music. His music has been the soundtrack for my life and I can't imagine life without the Pogues. I was lucky and got to see Shane perform ten or more times. Today is a sad one.Thanks for the video, Justin!

[@gwaptiva]

Saw Shane and The Pogues in Glasgow in the mid 2000s. What a band, Shane couldn't mention the entire set and would just disappear at apparently random moments and the band never missed a beat and took over his part on the fly until he turned up again. Absolute legend, and one of my favorite gigs ever.

[@annehathaway2107]

Same when the played a festival in ireland wittnness or feile its a blur

[@edcoad4930]

There is some mesmerising about someone who effortlessly draws people to just listen to the music. Rough around the edges with a sense of improvisation, this is the rare artist who couldn't care less what people think and the world needs more like him. Real music died a bit today, and the artistic anti-hero of Shane will be missed. My friends in 1987 joked he wouldn't be around much longer, but it's a sad day for sure even though he proved us wrong.

[@yvonnewatkinson840]

Obviously the best Christmas song.The poetry, the duet between Kirsty and Shane.Im glad the original words are left in..Thanks Justin❤

[@DuncanMcintyre-jk3qb]

Let’s get this to number one in memory of both Shane and Kirsty

[@johnmcnulty1129]

So much more to this song writing Genius than just "Fairy-tale of NY" Albums "Rum.....", "If l should fall......" & "Hell's Ditch" rammed full of brilliant tracks 🇮🇪 🪕 RIP Shane, give Sinead a hug

[@peterwinter3515]

As a duet it's beautiful, Kirsty was a great singer with an awesome voice

[@mischamischto]

Thank you so much, dear Sir, for making this heart-warming and comforting contribution concerning the recent passing away of Shane McGowan. This is definitely a very, very and most utter sad news of the year. Shane is dead but he is not forgotten. In our hearts he will live on eternity ...

[@hanleypc]

If there is any justice this should get Christmas No 1.

[@grantwallace1882]

It is Matt Dillon. Such a brilliant song. Like a Royale Family Christmas special, real, bitter, euphoric.

[@matthewshelley1365]

Never was a fan, but my heart goes out to everyone touched by his music.

[@my-king]

Recently I've been listening a lot to The Pogues and his solo songs. I've had "Five green queens" playing in ny head for days now... Then i look at my phone and he's dead... Shocking for me as hes a big part of my childhood growing up in an Irish Bar and later working in it. Il niss him as hes unique and a true legend.

[@abettum5441]

Aaaand you just decided to cut out the best lyrics... "I could have been someone" "Well so could anyone" Brutal, raw and wonderful

[@gordonzug9418]

Eine gute Beerdigung ist besser als eine schlechte Hochzeit.

[@pdtech4524]

What an iconic Christmas song! 🎄 RIP Shane, you've left us all a wonderful Christmas legacy.

[@rjramone4051]

The tin whistle always tugged on my heartstrings. It always brought tears to my eyes.

[@DeclanCorkerry]

It’s absolutely gutted me as a 36 year old, brought up on Pogues and Irish music in general, incredible, and yes it is Matt Dillon x

[@arniow]

thanks so much Justin, couldn't imagine a better tribute. Shane and the Pogues are like a red wire trough my musical youth, in the car or at home,... my dad was the singer of an Irish folk rock band and 3/4 of their set consisted of Pogues material... brings back great memories!

[@andycook8139]

I had the same thing as Shane and nearly died because of it.....life has changed massively because of it...... R.I.P Shane

[@susiew2521]

Look after yourself. X

[@nallekarhu7994]

Im Irish Justin, thanks, we loved Shane, Sinead and Shane this year , we will join them at some stage.

[@24hourjukebox55]

As a lyricist Shane was a genius...as a band The Pogues were probably the most exciting folk band ever....as a musician I'm forever indebted to all for their inspiration. Peace and love.

[@ampersandartisan]

I love this song, the lyrics and the harmonies are just like nothing else. Gutted about this news today. RIP Shane.

[@kierantaylor5852]

It is Matt Dillon in the video. RIP Shane and Kirsty. Two titans.

[@ddguitars1969]

That song will stand forever....it's a brilliant song, with a clever dialogue between Kirsty and Shane. Honest and true lyrics and I agree , it is the best Xmas song.

[@Goddzi]

Great tribute, Justin! I feel so lucky that many years ago, I was at the Heineken Festival at Roundhay Park in Leeds when, as two consecutive artists on the main stage, I saw first Kirsty MacColl, then The Pogues play a set each. And of course, Kirsty came back on to join The Pogues and sang (and danced the waltz with Shane) Fairytale of New York! A magical moment I will never forget. R.I.P. Shane (and Kirsty) ❤️‍🔥

[@BillyBombastic]

The fact the Irish built New York... And Shane Gowan wrote the most romantic song about it.. - Perfection

[@BarbaraAntoinetteVeronica]

A tribute to my Irish Grandfather who protected us in Astoria, Queens post WWII.

[@lucyseven4187]

Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End) and Fairytale of New York are definitely my top favorite Christmas songs!! 🔔🎄🧚‍♂ RIP Shane 🍷

[@magikclown]

Not mine. A girlfriend ditched me for the bassist out of the Pogues on Christmas eve. It was a shit Christmas then and every single Christmas for the last thirty years, that stupid song pops up to remind me.

[@revwillyg6450]

@@magikclownwow! At least it wasn't Bing Crosby

[@lucyseven4187]

@@magikclown Sorry to hear this...Christmas is a shitty time of year anyway 🍻

[@eily_b]

Mine too. And last year an amazing band called AMH band (or Adam and the Metal Hawks) released Love Is On My Wishlist. This is a really good Christmas rock song, too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3i4qYauasiGi6csi=5mksPpdPkU3Lj56o

[@davekennedy6315]

yeah i LOVE both of those songs too. Now if i could only remember who the strikingly handsome, clearly very gifted Falsetto singer was? On the tip of me tongue so it is?

[@KingEdwardMMVIII]

Thank you for the tribute, Justin. RIP to Shane. An absolute legend.

[@uha6477]

Shane, gone, but never forgotten. This song is awesomeness like nothing else. That was Matt Dillon in the vid BTW...

[@jaredthebrown]

Thanks Justin. You saying "My dad was a big Pogues fan" and "reminds me of my childhood" was just a lovely little Friday afternoon reminder of how old I actually am. Such a big fav round our house at Christmas along with yours, Slade, John & Yoko, Jona Lewie, The Killers, Mike Oldfield and Bing n' Dave. Well I could go on.

[@eoinyessesmaguire1636]

No Christmas song will ever come close to this absolute classic.. He will go down as one of the great Irish songwriters, That's 3 Irish legends we've lost this year in Christy Dignam Sinead O'connor and now Shane Heaven wont know what's hit it with those 3😜 Oh and Kirsty was brilliant in this.. Tin Whistle Mr Hawkins.. That bit should never be changed mite hurt someone's sensitive feelings unbelievable.. Anyway RIP Shane and since I'm from Dublin I'll be in town to see you on ur final journey to the next life👍☘☘☘

[@outoforbit00]

Shane's music and lyrics kept the irish diaspora, particularly in London grounded, connected, also sedated and wild at the same time. I lived in London for a couple years at the beginning of the nineties bearly out of my teens. Shane and the pogues were in some sense so familiar to us Irish that you could randomly pop into the Mean Fiddler in Harlsden on a Sunday afternoon to find MacGowan on stage jamming with some other irish musician. If your were high spirited and Irish chances were you had a story about drinking with MacGowan. Paddy couldn't do London then without The Pogues. Shane McGowan was an authentic artist and the genuine article. PS the NYPD choir singing Galway Bay is the the new york police department's band not a military band. Way back in the past many irish imigrants joined the police and fire dept in new york.

[@StLProgressive]

I remember the first time I heard ‘Fairytale of New York’ when it was released. There are only a handful of songs I can say that about. It hit me right in the feels, as my son would say, and never stopped. RIP to Shane and Kristy. 😓

[@MrKittenmitts]

Just listening to back to back Pogues. Im glad you've done this. Cheers

[@kingfrag0073]

Tin whistle lad every child in Ireland learned to play in primary school,,RIP to the Pogue 😢😢😢😢

[@Sidewayzview]

And the teachers used to wack you across the knuckles with one, dam Christian Bros

[@kingfrag0073]

😅😅

[@johngillespie3409]

I loved the Irish Rover with the Dubliners, the drunk talent is pretty awesome 🤣🇮🇪☘️🍺 RIP

[@xMTxcameron]

Rip Shane, such a legend. My dad was a massive fan of the Pogues and that got me into them as well, so he reminds me so much of my childhood. You are right, it is Matt Dillon playing the policeman in the video. I do recall him doing an interview on the song a while back and he said he was a massive fan of the Pogues too and was so happy to be in the video

[@sovaine]

This song is one of the very few that makes you want to cry but dance with joy at the same time.... what i respected about Shane was that he always without fail wore his heart on his sleeve......I could have be someone, well so could anyone.....what a timeless lyric, so simple but so poiniant.

[@markmulhearn7485]

I had the joy of seeing the pogues and kirsty performing this at the nac in Birmingham in summer...joyful times

[@Charlies247]

There something honest and humble about the Pogues. Magnificent live too. Rainy night in soho, just simple but magnificent. Shane could really plant a the scene of a short story in your head and move you. Thousands are sailing, stirring and simplistic yet so moving and as deep as the ocean he sings to us about. Wonderful. Stay Free! x

[@static65days...]

RIP Shane Macgowan...a true writer

[@joehuaelwood9753]

Simply a masterpiece the end of the song we're there dancing is brilliant it make you think of the people your love and not about presents and other unimportant thing's at Christmas time

[@lwcarr3879]

Ironic that this song's about NY, but as an American I've never heard it. Tried to see the Pogues once; Shane was too impaired to perform, but he did swear colorfully at the audience for 15 minutes before leaving. Still a memorable experience! RIP to them both.

[@jamesdreynolds3690]

Can’t believe he made it to 65 god bless him 🍺🥃🍺🥃🍹

[@D.L91]

Rip Shane. My favourite songwriter of all time! Legend.

[@margogoldfinch8728]

amazing song. Rest peacefully Shane. Your music stays with us forever.

[@trinaharrison6719]

RIP Shane. Such a force. Also, that is a fine, fine sweater.

[@PatrickPenn-zc4hi]

Agreed mate. Greatest duet of all time. Kirsty MacColl was so underrated. She shined on Simple Minds Sparkle In The Rain Album.

[@brettalexander2204]

Sad to hear of shane’s passing, thanks for all your great music

[@phead23]

Saw the Pogues about 10 years ago and they were absolutely amazing. Guy burned the candle at both ends, but still sad nonetheless.

[@AngieOwlglass]

If I should fall from grace with God Where no doctor can relieve me If I'm buried in the sod But the angels won't receive me Let me go, boys, let me go, boys Let me go down in the mud, where the rivers all run dry This land was always ours It was the proud land of our fathers It belongs to us and them Not to any of the others Let them go, boys, let them go, boys Let them go down in the mud, where the rivers all run dry Bury me at sea Where no murdered ghost can haunt me If I rock upon the waves And no corpse can lie upon me Let me go, boys, let me go, boys Let me go down in the mud, where the rivers all run dry If I should fall from grace with God Where no doctor can relieve me If I'm buried in the sand But the angels won't receive me Let me go, boys, let me go, boys Let me go down in the mud, where the rivers all run dry

[@thatssoironic]

Hey Justin I love you man and I love your channel and may rock live forever … and I too will be listening to this song many, many times this season. And just the Pogues in general.

[@JF-kv1gm]

"Fairytale" was one of my late brother's favourites and it always makes me a bit tearful. Kirsty and Shane....a fantastic duet. (And I definitely agree on Tina and Bryan being n.2) Saw the Pogues at Oxford supporting Elvis Costello in the early 80s. A sad day, indeed. Thanks, Justin.x

[@AshArAis]

You talking about the tin whistle player being insular in the video reminded me about some of the irish style of music. I'd see it in my local when I go in. The musicians would be sitting at the tables, not on stage, and it gets to a point in the night where people would call on anybody in the crowd to sing their party piece, sean nós style (unaccompanied). If people are chatting they would be shushed to listen to the person. Very often the person would close their eyes and sometimes disappear into themselves. The person isn't the important part; the song is. It's not showboating, it's channeling this music, this spirit from somewhere else, through the vessel that is the singer. There's an element of that ethos in this playing here. I have a lot of respect for it, it feels like connecting to our history, the hand of music reaching back through time.

[@helenvance8017]

Shane and Sinead... Haunted! RIP, both

[@deliriumtremorsmusic]

As good as the Darkness song is, it will never be a "Fairy-tale of New York" but a ruddy good Christmas song in modern terms which shows no sign of being beaten any time soon. So well done! I always appreciate "Don't let the bells end" and not just for childish reasons

[@topofthegoths2767]

This is a sad day - you've really done him justice. Thank you.