Overview

Marc Burrows explores the peculiarly British cultural phenomenon of the Christmas No. 1. The festive top spot in the Christmas chart was something that, prior to 1973, wasn't particularly important but has since become a cornerstone of the December news cycle and, for years, an annual cultural moment … that may have reached the end of its life. He traces the origins of the concept, through the Beatles and the-years-when-it-wasn't-really-a-thing, the Glam rock boom, Band Aid, novelty records, the X-Factor years and the awful Sausage Roll charity records of the 2020s. This exploration is supported by interviews with figures involved in some of the most iconic hits and notable chart battles of the past half century and obsessive, in-depth research. He explores the sometimes fascinating and sometimes weird and unlikely stories behind some of the most beloved (and some of the most utterly loathed) songs in British musical history. The Story of the Christmas No. 1 is more than just a nostalgic music book. It subtly explores pop culture and social history, examining our relationship with Christmas, how our national identity is reflected in the music we listen to together, and how the music industry has changed. It also reveals how the Christmas No. 1 reflects the current social reality of today and how technology and culture have reshaped the way music is consumed. AUTHOR: Marc Burrows is an award-winning author, comedian and musician, currently residing in Bristol. His 2020 biography of Sir Terry Pratchett won the Locus Award for best non-fiction and became the basis for a stand-up show that received rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe and has toured extensively across the UK. His second book, The London Boys, explored 1960s London through the lives of the teenage David Bowie and Marc Bolan and received 8/10 from Classic Rock! He plays bass in the cult punk band The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing, writes regularly for The Independent, Big Issue, The New Statesmen and many more and is working on a novel and a new stand up show. He is generally quite tired. His last book, NIRVANA: A detailed guide to the band that changed everything was published in November 2024.

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9780857162854

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Reviews

The biographer of hip unwraps his pen to sprinkle glitter upon the fading tradition of the festive chart-topper and crafts the ultimate gift for everyone, aged 8 to 80. This sleighs. Billy Reeves, BBC Radio London   Meticulously researched and packed with detail. This highly enjoyable book is a perfect read to pop in someone’s stocking. Hazel Cushion, literary agent   The Christmas No.1 is both a very British nonsense but also deeply important. Marc’s highly entertaining book about a tradition that brings together the likes of Pink Floyd, Boney M and Mr Blobby, with reality TV, boy and girl bands and a host of now-disgraced individuals, showcases the history and occasionally rum stories behind some of pop’s hastily put-together, yet most enduring and biggest-selling hits. Ian Wade, writer and DJ   Marc combines deep research, forensic detail and a wide knowledge of music with a light touch that never takes it all too seriously. The result is a fascinating read, in equal parts appalled and delighted by this weird British fixation on the Christmas charts. Helen O’Hara, Empire Magazine and host of the Bah Humbug! podcast   Who knew the history of Christmas No. 1’s could be so interesting and entertaining. Lots of trips down memory lane. It took me quite a while to read as I had to keep stopping to go and listen to so many of the songs – and watch videos of Bowie and Bing Crosby and Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Plenty of laugh out loud moments, both in the text and the footnotes. Dr Michelle Selinger, Principal Consultant   Informative and fun. David Quantick, author

Author Information

Marc Burrows is an award-winning author, comedian and musician, currently residing in Bristol. His 2020 biography of Sir Terry Pratchett won the Locus Award for best non-fiction and became the basis for a stand-up show that received rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe and has toured extensively across the UK. His second book, The London Boys, explored 1960s London through the lives of the teenage David Bowie and Marc Bolan and received 8/10 from Classic Rock and four stars from Shindig! He plays bass in the cult punk band The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing, writes regularly for The Independent, Big Issue, The New Statesmen and many more and is working on a novel and a new stand up show. He is generally quite tired. His latest book, NIRVANA: A detailed guide to the band that changed everything was published in November 2024.

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