Frontman of the legendary Irish punk band, The Pogues, and one of the most charismatic figures of the music scene Shane MacGowan passed away last Thursday at the age of 65.
Following a long battle with encephalitis, and a short stay in the hospital, he died peacefully from pneumonia on Thursday with his loved ones by his side, his spokesperson announced.
MacGowan had publicly admitted problems with drugs and alcohol that affected him throughout his life.
His wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, confirmed the sad news with a post on her Instagram: “I don’t know how to say this, so I am just going to say it. Shane… has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese.”
She continued saying: “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. You will live in my heart forever. Rave on in the garden all wet with rain that you loved so much. You meant the world to me.”
Many artists and bands, like Tom Waits, The Charlatans singer Tim Burgess, and Imelda May also paid tribute through posts and videos honouring the legacy he left behind.
Born in Kent, England, son to Irish parents, MacGowan fronted the Irish punk band, The Pogues, from 1982 to 1991, when they parted ways.
Since then, he got involved with different music projects which initially led to a very short reunion with The Pogues.
In 2018, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Irish President Michael D. Higgins at a concert gala to celebrate his 60th birthday.
Last year, he posted a video posted to social media on New Year’s Eve announcing that he was diagnosed with encephalitis, a quite uncommon condition that causes inflammation to parts of the brain.
A week ago, before his sudden death, he was dismissed from the hospital feeling very optimistic about his future health being.