The real-life filming locations from Shane MacGowan’s Christmas anthem Fairytale of New York music video – as The Pogues frontman dies aged 65

• ‘Pop culture detective’ Bob Egan rounded up a list of all the filming locations
• The song came out in 1987 and was sung by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl
• Read more: Fairytale of New York singer Shane MacGowan dies aged 65

The beloved Christmas anthem Fairytale of New York has been resonating with people all over the globe for more than three decades – and many fans choose to visit the hotspots that were used to film the iconic music video.

The song, which was released in 1987 by the British band The Pogues and featured singer Kirsty MacColl, tells a tragic tale of a couple who have fallen on hard times but are reminiscing about their early years together in the city.

When the tune came out, it was an instant success – and it quickly became a go-to Christmas track that millions of people still put on every time the holidays come around.

Self-proclaimed ‘pop culture detective’ Bob Egan recently rounded up a list of all the filming locations that were used in the visual for Fairtytale of New York for this blog, PopSpotsNYC.

The song has been on everyone’s minds since the news hit the web that The Pogues’ frontman Shane MacGowan had passed away on Thursday at age 65 after a battle with viral encephalitis – a life-threatening condition that leads to brain swelling. 

You can visit some of the spots that were used to film the music video for the Christmas anthem Fairytale of New York. Singers Kirsty MacColl and Shane MacGowan are seen

The song has been on everyone’s minds since the news hit the web that Shane (seen in 1990) had passed away on Thursday at age 65 after a battle with viral encephalitis

Self-proclaimed ‘pop culture detective’ Bob Egan rounded up a list of all the filming locations that were used in the visual for Fairtytale of New York for this blog, PopSpotsNYC

https://youtube.com/watch?v=j9jbdgZidu8%3Frel%3D0

Fairytale of New York came out when The Pogues were on the brink of collapsing – their record label had just gone under, one member had left the group, and Shane’s behavior was becoming increasingly erratic as he struggled with alcohol and drug use.

But the track ultimately saved the group and helped launch Shane and the rest of his bandmates into mega stardom.

In the wake of his death, take a look into all of the real-life spots in New York City that were featured in the visual for the song that helped turned the band into a worldwide sensation.

The music video begins with a drunken man, played by Shane, being brought into a police station.

According to Bob, who worked with ‘photo-location expert’ Chung Wong on uncovering the locations, they used the former 23rd police precinct at 134-138 West 30th Street between 6th and 7th Avenue to film the scene, which now houses the Traffic Division.

Bob got to take a tour of the building and shared photos from inside to his blog.

He also pointed out that a string of movies like 1994’s The Paper, King of New York (starring Christopher Walken), and Richard Gere and Winona Ryder-lead romance thriller Autumn in New York were all also filmed there.

Later on in the music video, Kirsty is seen walking down a street of New York while belting out the second verse of the song.

The music video begins with a drunken man, played by Shane, being brought into a police station

According to Bob, who worked with ‘photo-location expert’ Chung Wong on uncovering the locations, they used the former 23rd police precinct to film the scene

Bob got to take a tour of the building and shared photos from inside to his blog

Later on, Kirsty is seen walking down a street of New York while belting out the second verse of the song. This scene was shot on 33rd Street where Broadway and Sixth Avenue cross

Just west of that on 33rd is where they filmed the scenes that showed Kirsty and Shane strolling together in a flashback scene

This scene was shot on 33rd Street where Broadway and Sixth Avenue cross, Bob revealed. 

Just west of that on 33rd is where they filmed the scenes that showed Kirsty and Shane strolling together in a flashback scene.

Another part of the video shows a choir performing in front of a large archway – which was taken in the famous Washington Square Park. 

The next part shows Kirsty and Shane arguing in a hotel lobby.

Bob explained on his website that figuring out where the filmed this part took a bit of investigating – but after studying the signs that are seen through the window very carefully, he was able to determine that it was filmed at what was once the Time Square Hotel.

Another part of the video shows a choir performing in front of a large archway – which was taken in Washington Square Park. The scene is seen left while the park is seen in real life right

The next part of the music video shows Kirsty and Shane arguing in a hotel lobby

After studying the signs that are seen through the window very carefully, Bob was able to determine that it was filmed at what was once the Time Square Hotel

Located at the corner of 43rd St and 8th Avenue, it is now a ‘city-owned shelter,’ according to Bob

Located at the corner of 43rd St and 8th Avenue, it is now a ‘city-owned shelter,’ according to Bob.

Other monuments featured throughout the video include the 59th Street Bridge, also known as the Queensboro Bridge, and Rockefeller Center at 49th Street and 5th Avenue.

Near the end of the video, the camera pans across a series of tress decorated with an array of stunning Christmas lights.

According to Bob, this scene was filmed at the restaurant Tavern on the Green at 66th St and Central Park West.

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