It was just announced that the Pogues frontman and songwriter Shane MacGowan has died.
In a social media post shared by the Pogues, it was revealed that Shane MacGowan died peacefully at 3 am today with his wife and family by his side.
The 65-year-old singer/songwriter and the Pogues frontman had been ill and receiving treatment in Dublin for some time.
The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan has died – battling illness
In a statement shared on social media, the Pogues wrote, “It is with the deepest of sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Shane MacGowan.
“Shane died peacefully at 3am this morning with his wife Victoria and family by his side”.
MacGowan has been receiving treatment at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin for several months. He was discharged on 22 November to spend time with his loved ones.
In an Instagram post, his wife, Victoria Mary Clarke wrote, “There’s no way to describe the loss that I am feeling and the longing for just one more of his smiles that lit up my world.
“Thank you thank you thank you thank you for your presence in this world you made it so very bright and you gave so much joy to so many people with your heart and soul and your music.
“You will live in my heart forever. Rave on in the garden all wet with rain that you loved so much”
The Pogues – legendary Celtic punk band
Shane MacGowan led Irish punk band The Pogues throughout the 1980s and early 90s. They recorded several hit albums and singles and are widely considered one of the best Irish bands of all time.
These songs include the internationally acclaimed ‘Fairytale of New York’ Christmas smash hit with Kirsty MacColl.
This song actually came about from a 1987 bet that MacGowan could not write a Christmas song. Alas, one of the best Christmas songs of all time was born.
He, Jem Finer and Spider Stacey first formed the band that was then known as Pogue Mahone – later the Pogues.
The band drew on their punk roots along with MacGowan’s knowledge of Irish folk music to produce a unique sound that no one had ever heard before.
His gruff voice and the band’s individualism made them a huge hit around the world, especially their live shows.
Shane MacGowan – an Irish legend
Born in Kent, England, to Irish parents, MacGowan spent much of his childhood with his mother’s family in County Tipperary, where he was immersed in the world of folk and traditional music.
Before the Pogues, he was a member of the Nipple Erectors, also known as the Nips. After the Pogues, he was a member of Shane MacGowan and the Popes.
He also produced various solo pieces of music, collaborating with artists like Steve Earle, Sinead O’Connor, Ronnie Drew, and more.
Shane MacGowan is survived by his wife Victoria, father Maurice and sister Siobhán.
