Wham! fans and Christmas lovers have a reason to celebrate as the timeless melody โLast Christmasโ once again claims the throne at Number 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart. The track, a festive classic from George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, surges back to the summit, leaping four spots to reaffirm its dominance, amassing over 53,000 chart units.
Debuting back in 1984, this reflective Christmas anthem swiftly carved its mark in musical history. Its remarkable journey to the top spot took an unprecedented turn in 2021, securing the Number 1 position after 36 years since its initial release, setting a brand new record. While Kate Bushโs โRunning Up That Hillโ later took over this record in 2022, โLast Christmasโ continued to top the charts, seizing the crown once again last year, in 2022, as well as in 2023 with a triumphant return to the chartโs top spot for the third time. Now itโs achieved its fourth time being at the top, could it secure a consecutive Number 1 by staying at the top next week?
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that itโs the first time โLast Christmasโ has secured Number 1 status twice in the same calendar year. As the countdown to the Official Christmas Number 1 commences next Friday, December 15, Wham!โs iconic track stands as the one to beat for this yearโs most important chart-topper.
In an exclusive statement to Official Charts, Andrew Ridgeley from Wham! expressed his elation at the songโs resurgence, saying, โChristmas has indeed come early in 2023. Iโm delighted that Last Christmas has once again reached the zenith of the Official Singles Chart, continuing a bit of trend in the 2020s. Long may that continue! Merry Christmas, Happy New Yearโฆ and thank you!โ
Amidst the holiday cheer, Mariah Careyโs ever-lasting Christmas anthem, โAll I Want for Christmas is Youโ, gracefully climbs four positions to secure the coveted Number 2 spot. The resolute rise of this enduring festive favourite not only heralds the spirit of the season but also sets the stage for an anticipated clash at the summit of the charts. With its magnetic pull and timeless charm, the track positions itself for a thrilling chart showdown against the resurgent classic, โLast Christmasโ, promising an enthralling battle of melodies in the weeks to come. Although we canโt count out the other rising Christmas tunes that are ready to battle it out.
Amidst the chart shifts, the previous chart-topper, Jack Harlowโs โLovin on Me,โ gracefully descends to Number 3 following its triumphant three-week reign. However, an emotive tribute to the late Shane MacGowan has ignited a fervent resurgence for The Poguesโ timeless ballad, โFairytale of New Yorkโ, featuring Kirsty MacColl. Propelled by devoted fans paying homage to MacGowan, the track swiftly ascends an impressive 14 places to reclaim its position in the Top 5, settling at Number 4 on the charts.
Originally released in 1987, this iconic composition narrowly missed clinching the Christmas Number 1 spot that year. Yet, the recent surge in its popularity has sparked fervent speculation regarding its potential ascent to the top slot this year, particularly in honour of MacGowanโs passing. Many fans are rallying behind the idea of seeing this beloved track attain the Number 1 position for the first time ever, conceivably during the festive season, to pay a poignant tribute to the bandโs frontman, who succumbed to pneumonia.
The news of Shane MacGowanโs passing has deeply resonated within the music community and beyond. On December 8, a poignant funeral procession through the streets of Dublin paid homage to the legendary musician. His coffin, carried on a horse-drawn carriage, was met with an outpouring of love and respect from devoted fans lining the streets. At Saint Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh, County Tipperary, hundreds gathered, with notable figures making appearances for the funeral like Nick Cave, Johnny Depp, Bob Geldof, Aidan Gillen, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, and former Sinn Fรฉin leader Gerry Adams, to bid farewell to The Poguesโ frontman.
The poignant ceremony witnessed heartfelt performances, including a rendition of โFairytale of New Yorkโ by Glen Hansard and Lisa OโNeill, evoking poignant emotions that resonated deeply with those in attendance. The congregation found solace and unity through music, celebrating MacGowanโs enduring legacy and the profound impact he left on the world of music and beyond. Can โFairytale of New Yorkโ rightfully get to that Number 1 top spot, an achievement it completely deserves?
The festive spirit dominates the Top 10, this week, with holiday classics like Brenda Leeโs โRockinโ Around The Christmas Treeโ charting at Number 6, Ed Sheeran & Elton Johnโs โMerry Christmasโ which hit Number 7, Michael Bublรฉโs โItโs Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmasโ got to Number 8, Bobby Helmsโ โJingle Bell Rockโ landed at Number 9, and Shakinโ Stevensโ โMerry Christmas Everyoneโ rounds out the list at Number 10.
The Christmas chart battle is heating up, with the timeless appeal of these festive classics vying for the coveted Number 1 spot, promising an exciting race for the ultimate Christmas anthem of 2023.