1. She had the voice of an angel
2. She was unrivalled in her vocal arrangements
3. She spent long periods “between contracts” so the sessions brought the money in (and kept her sane!)
4. Many of these sessions were produced by then husband Steve Lillywhite. Which had to help

Four factors led to Kirsty’s appearances with a variety of other artists over the years.

On these pages you will find mention of all the songs Kirsty has contributed to on vocals, which are not her own releases. Some top names in here – the Rolling Stones, Morrissey, Talking Heads, Alison Moyet, Simple Minds, the Smiths, … it’ quite the list.

We don’t however reckon it includes

Van Morrison

Though nothing ever came of it, Kirsty did go to the studio to record with Van, with Mick Glossop engineering. Steve Lillywhite recalls “Kirsty spent most of the time playing pool waiting for Van to show up, when Van showed she didn’t have much time to sing and consequently I don’t think it turned out particularly special… ” Since this collaboration is repeatedly mentioned in the list of backing vocal honours it’s worthy of inclusion here, since it is a frequently asked question…

Ewan MacColl

On the 1990 compilation, ‘Black and white includes ‘The Manchester Rambler’, a 1983 recording crediting Kirsty in the company with Peggy Seeger, her brother Hamish and half brothers Calum and Neill. We are dubious. She is credited with mixing ‘The joy of living’ with Steve Lillywhite.

Peggy Seeger

Kirsty is credited on Peggy Seeger’s ‘Penelope isn’t waiting any more’ in 1977. Although Kirsty is listed as playing guitar on one song, Peggy is sure that “Kirsty did not play any instruments on that recording though she was a chorus member.’ This is the earliest date of any known releases featuring Kirsty. The discovery of this record is surprising, since Kirsty was yet to make an appearance on vinyl with the Drug Addix. It has however been confirmed by Kirsty’s mother Jean, though the circumstances are unclear. Source: VR

Bryan Adams