Shane McGowan (The Pogues) passed away after a long illness

Shane MacGowan has passed away. That news was just announced by his wife, Victoria Mary Clarke. MacGowan died at home, where he was discharged at the end of November after a long stay in St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin.

MacGowan, of Irish-British descent, was born on December 25, 1957 in Kent, England. He was the frontman of the influential Celtic punk band The Pogues. He spent part of his childhood in Ireland, where he was exposed to traditional Irish music.In 1982, MacGowan formed The Pogues and put forth a unique sound by blending punk with traditional Irish and folk influences. His signature raspy voice and unconventional style made him a standout figure in the music world. The band’s breakthrough came with the album ‘Rum, Sodomy and the Lash’ (1985) and the single ‘Fairytale of New York’ (1987), a timeless Christmas song.

However, Shane MacGowan is also known for his tumultuous lifestyle, characterized by excessive alcohol consumption and controversial statements. He left The Pogues in 1991, but his influence on the music world continued. Despite personal struggles, he later returned to the music scene, albeit with less frequency.MacGowan spent several months in intensive care after being diagnosed with viral encephalitis, a serious condition in which the brain becomes inflamed. The situation was worsened by shingles that spread to his eye. Encephalitis can be life-threatening and requires urgent hospital treatment.

Although MacGowan appeared to recover briefly in June and was transferred to a regular hospital ward, he again spent time in hospital. At the end of November, the singer was allowed to go home, where he eventually died.

Shane MacGowan’s legacy is deeply entrenched in Irish music history, and his unique contribution to the music world remains an indelible chapter in the history of punk and folk. Shane MacGowan turned 65.