"Rocking Around The Christmas Tree" - however, this referred to comedian Mel Smith and singer Kim Wilde rather than the girl group of the same name; proceeds went to the charity Comic Relief. A very popular Christmas song released this year was a collaboration with Irish band The Pogues and singer Kirsty MacColl, with the song "Fairytale of New York". With its bitter tale about the breakup of two lovers, it was very different from other Christmas songs around. In the end, it was the Pet Shop Boys who had the Christmas number one of 1987, with their cover of Elvis Presley's "Always on My Mind". The Pogues peaked at number 2 and has been re-issued several times since, reaching the top 10 in 2005, 2006 and 2007. In the world of classical music, Nicholas Maw's new work Odyssey made an impact, and veteran composer Malcolm Arnold produced his Salute to Thomas Merritt, Op. 98, whilst Michael Nyman and Judith Weir both brought new operas to the stage. The BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition was won by Italian soprano Valeria Esposito, and the Lieder prize was introduced into the competition for the first time. Events 5 January – Elton John undergoes throat surgery in Australia, ultimately resulting in his voice becoming permanently deeper. 9 March - The career that would end in an infamous appearance at The Brit awards and the burning of a million pounds began with The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu releasing their debut single, "All You Need Is Love". 24 April - The Tube is axed after 5 series and 4 and a half years 9 May – Ireland's Johnny Logan wins the Eurovision Song Contest, held in Brussels, Belgium, with the song "Hold Me Now", making him the first artist to win the contest twice. The UK's entry, "Only the Light" by Rikki, finishes in 13th place. June - Johnny Marr leaves The Smiths, and shortly after, the band splits up, just prior to the release of their final album 'Strangeways, Here We Come'. 1 June - George Michael's single "I Want Your Sex" is banned by the BBC, except for post-watershed hours, and the video is also banned. 1 August - Dave Stewart of Eurythmics and Siobhan Fahey of Bananarama are married in Normandy, France. December - The Old Grey Whistle Test is axed and its last episode is shown on 1