Entertainment
BBC Radio 2 to finally play censored version of Fairytale of New York after doubling down amid backlash-Alicia Adejobi-Entertainment – Metro
The original Christmas classic features a homophobic slur.
The Pogue’s famous song has been under scrutiny for years (Picture: Getty Images)
BBC Radio 2 will not air the offensive version of The Pogues’ classic Christmas song, Fairytale of New York, two years after the station received backlash for doing so.
Released in 1987, the original version of the festive track features a homophobic slur which has grown increasingly controversial over the years.
The lyric in question sees Kirsty MacColl sing: ‘You scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy f****t.’
Frontman Shane MacGowan also sings: ‘You’re an old slut on junk.’
In 2020, BBC Radio 1 announced its decision to air an alternative edition of the beloved Christmas song to avoid offending younger listeners with its derogatory terms for gender and sexuality.
However, Radio 2 continued playing the unedited version prompting questions about the lack of consistency across the corporation.
The station has now shared an update ahead of this year’s Christmas season, saying in a statement to Metro.co.uk: ‘We know the song is considered a Christmas classic and will continue to play it this year, with our radio stations choosing the version of the song most relevant for their audience.
‘On Radio 2 we are reflecting what we are hearing back from many of our listeners who love the song, but find some of the lyrics jarring in 2022, and playing an alternative version provided by the record company.’
Kirsty MacColl has performed an edited version of the track during her live shows in recent years (Picture: Redferns)
Shane MacGowan previously said he’s ‘a bit sick’ of the song (Picture: Getty Images)
Two years ago, the Beeb defended its decision to edit the track for Radio 1, which attracts a younger audience compared to its sister station.
A spokesperson said at the time: ‘We know Fairytale of New York is considered a Christmas classic and we will continue to play it this year on BBC Radio, with our stations choosing the version of the song most relevant for their audience.
‘We are aware that young audiences are particularly sensitive to derogatory terms for gender and sexuality, and after considering this carefully, Radio 1 has decided to play a version featuring Kirsty MacColl singing alternative lyrics, provided by the record label.’
Pogues star Shane previously revealed how he felt about the edited lyrics, telling Metro.co.uk: ‘I think it’s ridiculous.
‘I don’t hate Fairytale! I am just a bit sick of it.’
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