Steve Lillywhite: Making “Fairytale of New York” with Kirsty MacColl & The Pogues (#262)
Release Date: 11/30/2025
Sleaford Mods’ Jason Williamson on Planet X, cultural decay, and the evolution of the band (#264)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Jason Williamson, the fiercely articulate frontman of Sleaford Mods, to explore the band’s most ambitious and unflinching record yet: The Demise Of Planet X, out 16 January 2026 via Rough Trade Records. Created with long-time collaborator Andrew Fearn, the album expands the Mods’ sound both musically and emotionally, featuring rare and inspired guest appearances from Sue Tompkins (Life Without Buildings), Aldous Harding, Liam Bailey, and Nottingham grime MC Snowy. Their single “The Good Life” introduces a striking new...
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Oliver Murray on completing “The Beatles Anthology” and bringing Episode Nine to life (#263)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by acclaimed filmmaker Oliver Murray — the British writer–director redefining modern music documentary through his bold, cinematic approach. Following his 2023 short film Now and Then, The Last Beatles Song — made in collaboration with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Sean Lennon and the Harrison Estate to celebrate the release of the Beatles’ final single — Oliver continues his creative relationship with the band by directing the brand-new, final chapter of the legendary Anthology series. First...
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Steve Lillywhite: Making “Fairytale of New York” with Kirsty MacColl & The Pogues (#262)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by legendary producer Steve Lillywhite — the Grammy-winning studio mastermind behind iconic records by U2, The Rolling Stones, Talking Heads, The Smiths, The Killers, Peter Gabriel, and many more. Steve talks about the release of a brand-new 4-track EP featuring a completely unreleased live version of “Fairytale of New York” — recorded at Glasgow Barrowlands in December 1987. This historic performance captures the first time The Pogues ever played the song live, and the first time Kirsty MacColl performed it onstage with...
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The Altered Hours: Cathal Mac Gabhann on Their Stunning New Self-Titled Album (#261)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by guitarist and songwriter Cathal Mac Gabhann from Cork alt-rock and shoegaze outfit The Altered Hours — one of Ireland’s most vital underground bands. The Altered Hours released their self-titled third album on November 7th via . Recorded to tape by analogue producer Julie McLarnon (New Order, Lankum, Happy Mondays), the album captures the band at their most raw, warm, and emotionally direct. Formed in 2010, the band have carved out a unique place in the European alternative scene through two albums, a run of EPs, and a...
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Pearce Macca: The Clause’s Rise and Debut Album “Victim of a Casual Thing” (#260)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Pearce Macca — frontman of Birmingham indie-rockers The Clause, a band whose rise has become one of the most inspiring new stories in modern British guitar music. The Clause have just unveiled their long-awaited debut album Victim of a Casual Thing — a record built on pure graft, unshakable friendship, and more than a decade of refusing to give in. What started in a cramped school practice room in 2011 — with Pearce Macca, Jonny Fyffe and Niall Fennell learning their favourite songs before Liam Deakin completed the...
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Roland Gift: 40 Years of Fine Young Cannibals & New Christmas Single (#259)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Roland Gift — the iconic voice of Fine Young Cannibals and one of the most instantly recognisable singers in British music. With era-defining hits like “She Drives Me Crazy,” “Good Thing,” “Johnny Come Home,” and their electrifying version of “Ever Fallen In Love,” Fine Young Cannibals became global chart-toppers — selling over five million records and earning two BRIT Awards, an Ivor Novello, and three Grammy nominations. Their sharp, soulful sound continues to influence generations. Roland returns with two...
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ALKY on Breaking the Cycle with His Debut Album ‘Rinse & Repeat’ (#258)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by — the Dublin-born indie-rock artist and former Emmy-nominated audio engineer whose raw, heartfelt songwriting is making serious waves across Ireland’s indie scene. From his breakout singles “Dirty Tricks,” “All Because of Love,” “Perfect,” and “How Do You?” to sold-out shows at Whelan’s and The Workman’s Club, ALKY has built a growing reputation for pairing widescreen anthems with brutally honest storytelling. Now, he’s stepping into a defining new chapter with the release of his debut album Rinse...
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Martin Blunt: The Charlatans: Inside ‘We Are Love’ (#257)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Martin Blunt — founding member and bassist of The Charlatans, one of Britain’s most enduring and beloved bands. From their breakthrough with Some Friendly to the anthemic Tellin’ Stories and the reflective Modern Nature, The Charlatans have spent more than three decades making music that moves between euphoria and heart. Now, with We Are Love, they’ve created a record that feels like a true celebration — warm, hopeful, and full of connection. Martin talks about the chemistry that’s kept the band together, the highs...
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Mani: The Stone Roses, Primal Scream & the Resurrection (#256)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Mani — legendary bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, and one of the most influential figures in British rock history. From the euphoric rise of The Stone Roses — the band that defined a generation and changed the sound of British music — to the wild creative freedom of Primal Scream, Mani’s journey has been nothing short of iconic. In this conversation, Mani looks back on the moments that shaped him — from the late-’80s Manchester underground, when The Roses’ mix of psychedelic swagger and...
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Moya Brennan on ‘Macalla’ at 40 — Clannad’s Timeless Legacy (#255)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Moya Brennan — the unmistakable voice of Clannad, often hailed as the First Lady of Celtic Music. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Clannad’s landmark 1985 album Macalla — a record that bridged ancient Celtic roots with modern pop and ambient textures. Produced by Steve Nye (Japan, David Sylvian) and recorded across Dublin, Surrey, and Switzerland, Macalla captured the moment when Irish music stepped confidently onto the global stage — featuring the iconic duet with Bono, In a Lifetime. In this conversation, Moya...
info_outlineIn this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by legendary producer Steve Lillywhite — the Grammy-winning studio mastermind behind iconic records by U2, The Rolling Stones, Talking Heads, The Smiths, The Killers, Peter Gabriel, and many more.
Steve talks about the release of a brand-new 4-track EP featuring a completely unreleased live version of “Fairytale of New York” — recorded at Glasgow Barrowlands in December 1987. This historic performance captures the first time The Pogues ever played the song live, and the first time Kirsty MacColl performed it onstage with the band. The EP is released on 12 December.
Recorded by Steve himself — producer of the original version and then-husband of Kirsty MacColl — the Barrowlands tape offers a rare window into the early live life of what has become the UK’s favourite Christmas song for over a decade. Originally charting at No. 2 in 1987, “Fairytale of New York” has returned to the UK Top 20 every year since 2005.
Steve reflects on the making of the classic track, the energy of that unforgettable night in Glasgow, and key moments from across his remarkable career.
Listen to Steve Lillywhite discuss the new EP, the legacy of Fairytale of New York, and the stories behind his legendary productions — exclusively on the XS Noize Podcast.
About The XS Noize Podcast
With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories.
Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including The Charlatans, Gary “Mani” Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — among many more.
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