Kirsty MacColl - Celebrity Spotlight

The late British singer and songwriter Kirsty MacColl

Born in London on October 10, 1959, she was the 80's legendary British singer-songwriter most famously known for her Christmas hit in 1987, 'Fairytale in New York' recorded and performed with the drunken irish american imigrants 'The Pogues'. The hit propelled Kirsty into legendary fame and a recognisably successful artist in british musical history. However tragedy struck her all too soon and MacColl shocked the world when she died in an horrific and untimely manner aged just 41 in a boating accident in Mexico.

Kirsty, (the daughter of folk singer Ewan MacColl), from which she inherited her ear for music, seldom saw her father and claimed that her love of music became her forte due to listening to her mothers radio. Kirsty first appeared within the British music scene in 1981. After spending many years backing up well known bands of that period such as, Talking Heads, The Smiths and the Happy Mondays, her first single, "They Don't Know," was released in 1979. It failed to make any impact in the charts however later the same track became a hit for Tracey Ullman. Soon after she released the novelty track 'There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop (Swears He's Elvis).' which entered into the British Top 40 singles charts. 'Desperate Character' was later released as an EP in 1981. However Kirsty never really hit the spotlight during most of her early music career. She hated performing live, suffered from stage fright and was rumoured to sing her songs 'too fast' often having to repeat them over again in a single performance. She decided to put her career on hold and married producer Steve Lillywhite in 1984, raised two children and took the occasional stint as a back up singer. The marriage ended just a short three years after.

"She was one of the true, real characters of popular music and although there has been pressure on women in music to conform in the music business, she was always herself and said 'I am what I am'. - Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker

The studio was where Kirsty most felt at home with her talent, she commented '"When I go into a studio I operate on the principle that I might get hit by a bus tomorrow. I'd hate the obituaries to have to read: 'And her last album was not very good.'"

Towards the end of the eighties Kirsty joined Virgin Records and enjoyed a hit with a cover version of the Kinks classic single 'Day's' showing her versatility and undeniable talent. She co-produced another single with 'The Smith's' guitarist Johnny Marr entitled 'Walking Down Madison', a dance track which wasn't ultimately to her personal taste. The album from which the track was taken sold poorly and Kirsty parted with the label. Tropical Brainstorm her most recent release in 2000, inspired by her travels in South America, was considered by many to be one of her best works.

Tragedy struck the singer as she was hit by a speedboat in December 2000 near the coral island of Cozumel, near the Yucatan peninsula. Kirsty and her two young sons were diving in an area reserved for swimmers only. The boys were unharmed.

The death statement that was issued read:
"Singer Kirsty MacColl died tragically yesterday afternoon in a boating accident in Cozumel, Mexico, where she was holidaying with her two sons. Kirsty, who was aged 41, was taking a holiday after a busy and successful year. The accident happened when Kirsty, a keen diver, was hit by a speedboat travelling illegally in an area reserved for swimmers. Her two children were with her in the water at the time, but both of them are alright. Kirsty's former husband Steve Lillywhite is flying to Mexico to be with the children. Kirsty has a long and illustrious career in music ranging from hits of her own like 'There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears His Elvis' to work with everyone from Johnny Marr to Big Country to Simple Minds and most famously Shane MacGowan and The Pogues on the poignant 'Fairytale of New York' - coincidentally in the charts again, this time courtesy of Ronan Keating. She comes from a musical dynasty and her father Ewan MacColl was one of the stalwarts of the British folk scene throughout the sixties. Kirsty MacColl was a bright, fun loving person as well as a talented singer and writer who was loved by anybody and everybody she came into contact with. Manager Kevin Nixon, who has worked with Kirsty for four years, said: "We are absolutely distraught. I was personally immensely proud to be her manager after being a fan for so many years before that".

Biography - Kirsty MacColl - The One And Only

A comprehensive and authorised biography of the late Kirsty MacColl. It is clear that this book has been written with the co operation of MacColls family. This is evident from the inclusion of many personal photographs (in colour) and family anecdotes. Of particular interest are the early chapters outlining MacColls childhood and formative years which are intriguing as little has been previously documented.The book also focus's on MacColls diverse career, over a twenty year period, from early stagefright to prolific songwriting, recording and performing. It is a fascinating read and a respectful testament to the life and career of a greatly missed artist.

From Croydon To Cuba

From Croydon to Cuba: An Anthology is a 3CD retrospective of Kristy's work between 1979 and 2000. It contains all her singles and unreleased tracks including demos from the family's private archive. It includes include rare tracks, several unreleased songs as well as demo recordings. A percentage of proceeds made from the box set will go towards her family and friends' ongoing fight to reopen the inquiry into her tragic death in Mexico.

Tropical Brainstorm

Gloriously sunny melodies sung by a girl whos obviously wandered many a time down to Belsize Park to buy her paper and have a latte, the thing that comes through on this album is Kirsty's musicality. The tunes are memorable, often layered on top of each other, and usually with a cha-cha drum beat. Fab lyrics (I love "Sha-la-la-la-la, get your rocks off baby!") with an overall sense of hyper-bright escapism. What makes it believable and all come together is that you can just tell that Kirsty's having a ball as she does it.

Galore - The Best of Kirsty MacColl - (Includes the hit single 'Fairytale In New York')

Kirsty MacColl was an amazing talent and this album showcases her best work. From great collaborations with The Pogues and Evan Dando to the wacky titles (Don't come the cowboy with me sonny jim) and musical diversity - there is no song she couldn't make her own. Buy it and see what I mean - the greatest female singer the world never got to know the way it should have.

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