Shane MacGowan has sadly passed away at the age of 65.
The singer-songwriter - perhaps best known for being the frontman of the punk band The Pogues - had been ill for some time, per Sky News.
Confirming his death, MacGowan's wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, said: "Shane will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life".
MacGowan had been in hospital since being admitted in June until his release on November 22.
While exact details of his condition were not made public, it was revealed that he had suffered from the rare brain condition encephalitis last Christmas.
Encephalitis can be a life-threatening condition that causes the brain to swell, and has the potential to affect speech and cause a loss of movement.
MacGowan’s wife, Victoria May Clarke, had been keeping fans updated with his health journey and had shared her joy at him finally being released from hospital.
She wrote on social media at the time: “Shane got out of the hospital! We are deeply and eternally grateful to all of the doctors and nurses and staff at St Vincent’s it’s the best! And special thanks to Tom Creagh and Brian Corscadden for your help.”
His discharge came after the 57-year-old journalist had opened up about her fears that she may lose her husband, writing: “‘Love is the most beautiful and powerful thing that we can experience as humans but love can also feel painful especially if you are afraid of losing a person or anything else that you love.”
She added: “Sometimes when you love very deeply you will find yourself facing terrifying fears of loss that can feel so big and devastating that you don’t know how you can survive them and you can’t imagine life without this person that you love.”
MacGowan had been using a wheelchair since 2015 following several falls. He had sustained injuries such as a broken hip and right knee.
MacGowan was born on December 25, 1957, in Pembury, Kent, England, before being raised in Ireland, where he experienced an early exposure to traditional Irish music that profoundly influenced his musical style.
He initially gained prominence in the London punk rock scene as a member of The Nipple Erectors before founding The Pogues in 1982. The band blended traditional Irish folk with punk rock, creating a unique and influential sound that resonated with fans worldwide.
MacGowan's tenure with The Pogues was marked by critical and commercial success, especially through hits like 'Fairytale of New York', in which, he sang alongside singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl.
His distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and charismatic stage presence became the band's hallmark. However, his career was often overshadowed by his tumultuous personal life, including struggles with alcoholism.
Despite these challenges, MacGowan's contribution to music will always be widely acknowledged, with his songwriting being celebrated for its depth, emotion, and authenticity - as well as his success at bringing the fusion of punk and traditional Irish music to the top of the charts.
Our thoughts go out to MacGowan's family, friends, and fans at this time.
