Nineties singer who had a smash Christmas number one hit with cover of iconic song returns to music after more than 20 years away from pop music

Noughties singer Gary Jules is about to return to music after more than twenty years.

The 54-year-old musician scored a big Christmas hit in 2003 when he released a cover of the song Mad World, which was included in the soundtrack of the film Donny Darko.

Originally released by pop rock duo Tears for Fears in 1982, Gary stayed at the top of the charts for three weeks in 2003, with the song being the UK Christmas number one that year.

He is now about to release a 20th anniversary edition of Mad World, as well as an EP, after taking a step back from the music industry over the past twenty years to focus on family life.

He said in a statement: ‘There has been such widespread loss in recent years, so much illness and isolation, such violent and dramatic upheaval in the world and in people’s personal lives, including both my family and myself.

He is now about to release a 20th anniversary edition of Mad World, as well as an EP, after taking a step back from the music industry over the past twenty years to focus on family life (pictured in 2004)

“I feel that stories and music, especially live music – people coming together to hear stories and think – are the key to healing humanity, allowing us to remember ourselves.

‘It feels important to me as a performer and storyteller to return to my part of remembering, healing.

‘That’s why we’re creating this series of very intimate live studio albums: the Alive! in Los Angeles series – to share stories and experiences in an intimate, authentic environment, person to person.’

He continued, “For me, Mad World was the obvious place to start. I have always felt like the lucky caretaker of something much bigger than anyone else, something of real value that belongs to everyone and no one.

‘I feel a deep responsibility to perform (and experience) it live, in front of real people, with all the dangers and imperfections at the forefront.

“The song gives people permission to think, to sit in chaos, loss, change, and (hopefully) find beauty and community in the midst of isolation. I feel it too, every time I sing it, even twenty years later.’

The Pogues’ Shane MacGowan was tipped to be this year’s Christmas number one with his festive track Fairytale Of New York, as fans rushed to stream it following his death last month.

Shane died ‘peacefully’ in the early hours of November 30 after battling a brain condition for eight years.

Originally released by pop rock duo Tears for Fears in 1982, Gary stayed at the top of the charts for three weeks in 2003 (L-R: Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears pictured in 1984)

He had viral encephalitis and was discharged from hospital earlier in November.

Following Shane’s death, fans were hoping his festive song Fairytale Of New York would finally top the charts, but that could now go wrong thanks to a new charity entry.

A group of TikTok stars have formed a group called The Creator Universe and recorded a cover of Wizard’s I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday.

All profits raised will be donated to the Trussell Trust, which works to end hunger and poverty in Britain.

The track has made a surprise appearance in the festive charts, just a week before number one is announced.

The Pogues’ Shane MacGowan was tipped to be this year’s Christmas number one with his festive track Fairytale Of New York, as fans rushed to stream it following his death last month

The Pogues frontman Shane died on November 30 at the age of 65 from pneumonia after months of ill health (pictured in 2014)

In recent days, the song has also become the bookmakers’ favorite to reach first place, with odds of 4-6, while The Pogues remain in second place at 11-8, according to Coral.

Despite being a musical staple during the festive season, MacGowan’s beloved song – first released in 1982 – has never topped the Official Singles Chart. It peaked at number two in 1987, pipped to the top by the Pet Shop Boys’ Always On My Mind.

But since his death was announced, the song has been storming up the charts and could finally be crowned number one.

The company Official Charts – which compiles the official UK Top 40 – wrote on x/Twitter today: ‘A #XmasNo1 favourite? Festive classic Fairytale Of New York never quite reached the top of the charts, but fans of The @poguesofficial are hoping 2023 could be the year, in tribute to the late Shane MacGowan.’

A group of TikTok stars, who have formed a group called The Creator Universe and recorded a cover of Wizard’s I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday, could beat The Pogues