Shane MacGowan, Singer of The Pogues, Dies at 65
Shane MacGowan, the singer/songwriter/founder of The Pogues, has died. He was 65.
MacGowan’s death was confirmed in a statement from his wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, his sister, Siobhan and his father, Maurice.
They said, “It is with the deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Shane MacGowan. Shane died peacefully at 3 AM this morning (30 November, 2023) with his wife, Victoria and family by his side. Prayers and the last rites were dead which gave comfort to his family.”
The statement continued, “He is survived by his wife, Victoria, his sister Siobhan and his father, Maurice, family and a large circle of friends. Further details will be announced shortly, but the family ask for privacy at this very sad time.”
— The Pogues (@poguesofficial) November 30, 2023
In her own personal statement, MacGowan’s wife said, in part, “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.”
MacGowan fronted The Pogues from 1982-1991. His binge drinking led to his ouster from the band. MacGowan also struggled with drug use and would get sober in 2016. MacGowan and The Pogues would reform from 2001 to 2014.
The Pogues’ catalog spans seven studio albums and five live LPs. Scoring a number of hits in Ireland and the U.K., The Pogues are perhaps best known in the U.S. for “Fairytale of New York,” their popular Christmas song off their 1987 studio album If I Should Fall from Grace with God.
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