Fairytale Revived by Hozier
Hozier graced the stage of Saturday Night Live with a touching tribute, delivering a stirring rendition of “Fairytale of New York,” the beloved Christmas anthem by The Pogues. The performance, which aired during the show’s year-end episode, was made even more poignant as it coincided with the week of what would have marked the 67th birthday of the band’s legendary frontman, Shane MacGowan.
The Irish singer-songwriter's heartfelt interpretation quickly sparked a wave of admiration across social media. Viewers praised the emotional depth and artistry, with one fan hailing it as “the most remarkable version since The Pogues themselves.” Others described the performance as “mesmerizing” and “deeply touching,” with one comment capturing the sentiment of many: “Tears flowed from the opening notes. Shane would have been honored.”
The song originally featured The Pogues’ Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl in a duet that captured both the bittersweet and celebratory spirit of the holidays. Hozier’s rendition, viewers suggested, honored both musicians with its sincerity and depth.
This was not Hozier’s first time captivating the SNL stage. A decade after his 2014 debut — where he introduced audiences to hits like “Take Me to Church” — he returned this year to perform “Too Sweet,” a chart-topping track from the deluxe edition of his third album, Unreal Unearth. The Christmas-themed episode showcased his versatility as an artist and solidified his reputation as a dynamic live performer.
Viewers weren’t the only ones moved by Hozier’s tribute. In an interview with The Independent, Shane MacGowan’s widow, artist and writer Victoria Mary Clarke, reflected on the enduring legacy of “Fairytale of New York.” She noted, “Shane always saw it as a song for everyone, no matter where you’re from. That’s what made it timeless.”
The festive SNL episode also brought plenty of laughs, with host Martin Short leading the charge and a surprise-filled cold open featuring stars like Tom Hanks, Paul Rudd, and Scarlett Johansson. Meanwhile, the “Weekend Update” team delivered their signature joke exchange, with Colin Jost and Michael Che taking no prisoners.
As fans call for Hozier’s powerful cover of “Fairytale of New York” to hit streaming platforms, his SNL performance stands out as a poignant highlight of the holiday season — and a fitting tribute to the enduring spirit of Shane MacGowan and The Pogues.
