Fans are calling for The Fairytale of New York to become the Christmas Number One after Shane MacGowan s death - an achievement that could earn The Pogues £500,000 in royalties.
MacGowan, 65, died on Thursday after an eight-year battle with a brain condition; chart data suggests The Pogues Christmas hit is well on its way to reaching number one in tribute.
The Irish band s duet with Kirsty MacColl is at number 18 in this week s Official UK Top 40, compiled by Official Charts, up 35 places from number 53. Earlier in the week it was at number 23.