Reports of The Pogues frontman Shane Macgowan passing have been flooding our timelines. The energetic lead singer passed away earlier today after a recent hospital visit, he had been diagnosed with encephalitis. He was 65 years old. Reports say he “died peacefully at 3:30 this morning (November 30) with his wife and sister by his side”.
Most famous for his massive hits like “Fairytale of New York”, Macgowan led The Pogues through seven studio albums after starting the band in 1982. It was revealed he was diagnosed with encephalitis on New Year’s Eve when the singer posted a video to social media. The Pogues officially broke up in 2014 but their “Fairytale of New York” remains one of the U.K.’s most beloved Christmas songs. In 2018 he was honored with a lifetime achievement award at his 60th birthday party to celebrate the legacy left behind by his influential Irish-punk band. He was a voice that spoke about the lingering issues that plague his Irish community.
Macgowan leaves behind a stunning legacy of poetic songs and a loyal fanbase. “He is survived by his wife Victoria, his sister Siobhan, and his father, Maurice, family and a large circle of friends” reads the statement posted by The Pogues. “Further details will be announced shortly but the family ask for privacy at this very sad time”.
