The Pogues go on tour; have song censored

By Alex Young on December 18th, 2007

The Pogues have announced the dates for what has now become annual St. Patrick’s Day tour in the United States. Among note are a two night stand in New York City and a show in Boston the day after St. Patty’s Day. As of now, they are not playing on the actual holiday, but I’m sure that will change. And yes, Shane McGown is alive and kicking, and is scheduled to appear on the tour. Full list of dates after the jump.

In related news, BBC1 has apparently caused a little controversy with the censoring of the Pogues’ classic song “Fairytale Of New York”.

The radio station banned the word “faggot” from the song, originally a hit in 1987, to avoid offence.

The word, sung by the late Kirsty MacColl, has been dubbed out.

MacColl’s mother Jean called the ban “too ridiculous” while The Pogues said they found it “amusing”.

The BBC said: “We are playing an edited version because some members of the audience might find it offensive.”

Another line, where MacGowan calls MacColl “an old slut on junk” has also been edited out.

[NME.com]

Dec 18: Brixton Academy with: The Holloways
Dec 19: Brixton Academy with: The Holloways
Dec 22: Belfast King’s Hall with: LaFaro
Dec 23: Dublin RDS Main Hall with: Blood Or Whiskey
March 5: Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre
March 6: Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre
March 9: Washington, DC 9:30 Club
March 12: Baltimore, MD Rams Head
March 15: New York NY Roseland Ballroom
March 16: New York NY Roseland Ballroom
March 19: Boston, MA Orpheum