Shane Patrick Lysaght MacGowan (25 December 1957 – 30 November 2023) was an English-born Irish musician, best known as the co-founder, lead vocalist, and chief songwriter of Celtic punk band the Pogues. MacGowan’s songs were influenced by Irish history, Irish nationalism, the Irish diaspora, and London life.
Born in Kent, England, to Irish parents, MacGowan spent his early childhood in Tipperary, Ireland, before returning to England aged six and a half. Noted for his precocious interest in literature—by age 11, he was reading authors including Fyodor Dostoevsky and James Joyce—he attended Holmewood House preparatory school and won a scholarship to Westminster School, but was expelled from the latter for possession of drugs. In 1977, he joined the punk band the Nipple Erectors. In 1982, he co-founded the Pogues, which fused punk with influences from traditional Irish music; his songwriting and vocals appear on the band’s first five studio albums, released between 1984 and 1990, of which the critically acclaimed If I Should Fall from Grace with God (1988) was the most commercially successful. He co-wrote “Fairytale of New York” (1987), which the Pogues recorded with Kirsty MacColl; the song has become a perennial Christmas favourite.
During a 1991 tour, MacGowan was dismissed from the Pogues for behaviour relating to his alcohol dependency. He subsequently formed a new band, Shane MacGowan and The Popes, with which he recorded two studio albums. In 2001, MacGowan rejoined the Pogues for reunion shows, remaining with the group until it dissolved in 2014. He also produced solo material and collaborated with artists such as Joe Strummer, Nick Cave, Steve Earle, Sinéad O’Connor, and Ronnie Drew. He received a 2018 Ivor Novello Inspiration Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Following years of deteriorating health, MacGowan died of pneumonia in November 2023, aged 65. The president of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, paid tribute, calling him “one of music’s greatest lyricists.”
As we write this post Fairy Tale in New York is No.3 in the Charts and well on its way for a Christmas No.1 lets finally make it happen.
Shane passed away on 30 November 2023 (aged 65) May he rest in Peace. His words will call home even if Home wont take the call.
