The Story of the Christmas No. 1
Mistletoe and Vinyl
Format:Paperback
Publisher:McNidder & Grace
Published:2nd Oct '25
Should be back in stock very soon
Marc Burrows explores the peculiarly British cultural phenomenon of the Christmas single's chart. The festive top spot 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, 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.
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
ISBN: 9780857162854
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
244 pages