Shane MacGowan Irish in London and the United States, and London life in general. These influences are documented in the biography, "Rake at the Gates of Hell: Shane MacGowan in Context". MacGowan has often cited the 19th-century Irish poet James Clarence Mangan and playwright Brendan Behan as influences. Between 1985 and 1987, he co-wrote "Fairytale of New York", which he performed with Kirsty MacColl. In the coming years MacGowan and The Pogues released several albums. In 1997, MacGowan appeared on Lou Reed's "Perfect Day", covered by numerous artists in aid of Children in Need. It was the UK's number one single for
The Two Ronnies 1987 Christmas Special (with whom he starred in "Porridge") in 1979 and Eric Morecambe in 1984 reportedly frightened him. The Two Ronnies 1987 Christmas Special The Two Ronnies 1987 Christmas Special was first broadcast on BBC1 on Christmas Day 1987 as part of the 12th series of the show starring Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, being also their last outing as Barker decided to retire from showbiz. Memorable sketches included "Pinocchio II: Killer Doll", a parody of the slasher films popular at the time. The musical guest was Elton John. At the time the special aired, no one except Corbett knew about Barker's