Shane MacGowan of The Pogues Has Died Age 65: R.I.P.
Sad to report that Shane MacGowan, the mercurial leader of The Pogues has died at age 65. MacGowan revealed he was diagnosed with encephalitis last year in a video posted to social media.
The Pogues, originally Pogue Mahone, formed in 1982 and reached their peak in 1987 when they released If I Should Fall From Grace With God, featuring the single Fairytale Of New York with Kirsty MacColl.
Shane’s battle with the bottle was the stuff of legend and his erratic behaviour caused him to be fired by the band in 1991, to be replaced by non other than Joe Strummer.
There were reunions over the years, the last with Shane in 2014.
A statement from MacGowan’s spokesperson confirmed he “died peacefully at 3.30am this morning (30 November) with his wife and and sister by his side”. “Prayers and the last rites were read during his passing,” he added.
Shane’s wife, Victoria Mary Clarke has posted on Instagram: “I don’t know how to say this so I am just going to say it. Shane… has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese.”
Tributes are already flowing in:
Nick Cave called him “a true friend and the greatest songwriter of his generation,” adding it was “a very sad day.”
The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess also paid tribute, saying MacGowan had “a life lived to the full”.
Click here for more about the life and death of Shane MacGowan
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