The front man of the Pogues, and champion of traditional Irish music, Shane MacGowan has passed away at the age of 65.
MacGowan was born in England, but had strong Irish roots, and embraced and celebrated Irish culture and music. He made his start during the Punk era, gaining widespread recognition for an iconic photograph at a Clash concert where he suffered a bloody injury to his ear and accompanied with the sensational headline “Cannibalism at Clash gig.”
He was as famous for his hard-drinking, hard-living persona as he was for his extraordinary songwriting ability.
His most celebrated piece of work is the Christmas classic, “Fairytale of New York” performed with the late Kirsty MacColl.
He was featured in the 2020 Julien Temple documentary Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan.
The statement from Victoria Mary Clarke, wife of Shane MacGowan pic.twitter.com/mHBRYwvxtx
— Stephen Murphy (@SMurphyTV) November 30, 2023
He had suffered a series of serious health setbacks over the last few years, culminating with a year-long hospitalization for viral encephalitis. His wife and long-time partner, Victoria Mary Clarke, provided regular updates on his condition on X, and posted pictures of an emaciated MacGowan last week on his release from hospital.
Tributes are already pouring in, including from Irish President Michael Higgins who called MacGowan “one of music’s greatest lyricists.”
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Shane MacGowan https://t.co/gHiCNjxwzE pic.twitter.com/C8x5IRIUpO
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) November 30, 2023
