Shane MacGowan funeral: Procession ahead of service for Pogues singer

Large crowds gathered along the streets of Dublin to pay homage to Shane MacGowan, the iconic lead singer of The Pogues, ahead of his funeral in County Tipperary. Musicians played some of his renowned songs, with fans singing along as a horse-drawn carriage carried his coffin through the city. The 65-year-old singer-songwriter had been ailing for an extended period before his demise last week.

The funeral procession, beginning in the south inner city where MacGowan resided, saw fans lining the streets of Dublin, bidding their farewells. The horse-drawn carriage, draped in the tricolor, prompted applause and a traditional Irish funeral gesture as people began to walk behind the cortege.

The procession continued through the city, accompanied by the Artane Band, which paused at Westland Row, playing “Fairytale of New York.” The mourners softly joined in as the poignant lyrics filled the air, reflecting the celebratory mood rather than a somber one.

This emotional farewell holds particular significance for Dublin, the adopted city of Shane MacGowan, where he spent a significant part of his life. The final leg of the journey will take the cortege to County Tipperary for a funeral ceremony near the area where MacGowan spent his childhood summers.

Irish President Michael D Higgins is expected to join luminaries from the music industry at the Mass in Nenagh. The public funeral mass, set to take place in St Mary of the Rosary Church, will be led by Fr Pat Gilbert, the co-parish priest. MacGowan will be cremated in a private ceremony following another procession through the County Tipperary town.

The funeral has drawn widespread attention, with fans from various parts of the world, including France, expressing their deep connection to MacGowan’s music and Irish culture. Tower Records in Dublin, too, witnessed a surge in demand for Pogues albums and merchandise, a testament to the enduring impact of MacGowan’s musical legacy.

As the world bids farewell to a musical icon, the funeral is expected to be attended by prominent figures from the music industry, friends, and devoted fans. Notable personalities like Bono, Nick Cave, and Johnny Depp, among others, are anticipated to pay their respects. MacGowan’s widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, shared her grief on Instagram, emphasizing his profound significance in her life.

Shane MacGowan’s extraordinary life, marked by musical brilliance, collaborations, and personal challenges, has left an indelible mark on the world. Born in Kent to Irish immigrants, he fronted The Pogues from 1982 until their disbandment in 2014. His legendary Christmas song, “Fairytale of New York,” created in collaboration with Kirsty MacColl, remains a perennial favorite. MacGowan’s colorful life was marred by health issues, including a recent diagnosis of encephalitis, wheelchair use since 2015, and well-documented struggles with substance abuse.

In a poignant statement, MacGowan’s spokesperson confirmed his peaceful passing on November 30, with his wife and sister by his side. As Dublin and the world bid farewell to one of its musical legends, Shane MacGowan’s legacy will continue to resonate through his timeless music.