“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Mel Smith and Kim Wilde is a humorous, lighthearted take on the holiday classic, released in 1987. This version was a charity single recorded to raise funds for Comic Relief, the UK-based organization that uses comedy and entertainment to support various charitable causes. Combining Kim Wilde’s pop star charisma with Mel Smith’s comedic flair, the track became a festive favorite and a reminder of the joy that humor and music can bring during the holiday season. The song was credited as Mel & Kim as a parody to sister act of the same name (Mel and Kim Appleby).
The song was created as part of Comic Relief’s efforts to blend entertainment with philanthropy. By the mid-1980s, Kim Wilde was a major pop star with hits like “Kids in America” and “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”, while Mel Smith was a well-known comedian and actor, recognized for his work on sketch shows like Not the Nine O’Clock News and Alas Smith and Jones. Their collaboration added a unique comedic twist to the holiday song, making it both a fun Christmas tune and a vehicle for raising money for charity.
The original “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was written by Johnny Marks and first recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958, becoming a classic holiday staple. The Mel Smith and Kim Wilde version maintains the rockabilly-inspired melody but adds a comedic edge, with humorous spoken interludes and playful vocal performances. While much of the original lyrics are retained, the song features humorous asides and exaggerated vocal delivery from Smith, playing up his comedic persona. Wilde’s polished pop vocals contrast with Smith’s intentionally off-key singing, creating a comedic dynamic. The track includes comic dialogue, with Mel Smith portraying a hapless character fumbling through the festive cheer while Wilde tries to keep the song on track.
Released in December 1987, the single achieved commercial success in the UK, peaking at #3 on the UK Singles Chart. Its blend of humor and holiday cheer made it a hit with audiences, and it has remained a festive favorite on Christmas playlists and radio stations. Proceeds from the single went to Comic Relief, helping to fund programs addressing poverty and social inequality. The song exemplified the spirit of the organization, using humor and entertainment to bring people together for a good cause.