The collection covers the band's history from 1984 to 1996, and the personnel on the 30 tracks can be retraced through these distinct eras:

The Early Era (1984–1986)
Found on tracks like "Streams of Whiskey," "Sally MacLennane," and "A Pair of Brown Eyes."

Shane MacGowan: Lead vocals
Spider Stacy: Tin whistle
Jem Finer: Banjo
James Fearnley: Accordion
Andrew Ranken: Drums
Cait O'Riordan: Bass (before she left in 1986)

The Classic & Expanded Era (1987–1991)
Found on hits like "Fairytale of New York," "Fiesta," and "White City."

Shane MacGowan: Lead vocals
Spider Stacy: Tin whistle
Jem Finer: Banjo, saxophone
James Fearnley: Accordion
Andrew Ranken: Drums
Philip Chevron: Guitar
Terry Woods: Cittern, mandolin
Darryl Hunt: Bass (replaced O'Riordan)

The Post-Shane Era (1991–1996)
Found on tracks like "Tuesday Morning" (vocal by Spider Stacy) and "Love You 'Till the End."

Spider Stacy: Lead vocals, tin whistle
Jem Finer: Banjo, guitar
Andrew Ranken: Drums
Darryl Hunt: Bass
James Fearnley: Accordion (left in 1993)
James McNally: Accordion, whistles (joined 1993)
Dave Coulter: Mandolin, violin (joined 1993)
Jamie Clarke: Guitar (joined 1994)

Notable Guests on the Collection
Kirsty MacColl: Vocals on "Fairytale of New York"
The Dubliners: Featured on "The Irish Rover" and "Whiskey in the Jar"