Shane McGowan, the intrepid Irish punk singer, songwriter and frontman of The Pogues, has died aged 65. The venerable musician had been in poor health and was recently hospitalized, undergoing treatment for encephalitis, a serious inflammation of the brain.
His wife, Irish writer Victoria Mary Clarke, announced his death on Instagram, expressing the profound impact of light, dreams and love on McGowan’s life. Clark said that McGowan had died to join “Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese”, calling the loss unspeakable and expressing gratitude for the joy he brought through his music. had brought
A spokesman confirmed McGowan’s peaceful passing around 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 30, with his wife and sister by his side, where prayers and funeral rites were held. McGowan revived Celtic music in the 1980s, contributing emotionally charged folk tunes about Irish life with The Pogues, formerly known as Pogue Mahon.
Despite struggles with alcohol and drugs, McGowan led The Pogues from 1982 until his departure in 2014, leaving an enduring legacy. The famous “Fairy Tale of New York” is one of the band’s major hits and Christmas classics. His post-Pogues years included the formation of Shane McGowan and the Popes, exploring Irish folk and rock.
Throughout his career, McGowan faced challenges, gaining a reputation as a rebellious, hard-to-control star. Despite ill health, he collaborated on a cover album with Cronin’s band from 2015. McGowan, who married Clarke in 2018, is survived by her, her sister Siobhan, and her father Maurice.
Tributes have been pouring in from dignitaries on social media, with Irish President Michael D Higgins recognizing McGowan as one of music’s greatest songwriters for his ability to capture diverse worlds in his songs. Admitted.”
