U2, Paul Weller, and Pete Doherty are among the notable figures expressing tributes to Shane MacGowan, the iconic frontman of The Pogues, who passed away at the age of 65 after a recent hospital stay. Renowned for hits like “Fairytale of New York” and “A Pair of Brown Eyes,” MacGowan’s influence on the music industry and his lyrical brilliance were widely acknowledged.
Bono, the lead singer of U2, shared a sketch of MacGowan on Twitter, emphasizing the perfection of MacGowan’s songs. Libertines frontman Pete Doherty, speaking to BBC World Service, expressed deep admiration and respect for the Pogues singer, ranking him among the top lyricists in the past few decades. Doherty highlighted MacGowan’s gift for melody, describing him as an old romantic who conveyed tales and stories through his songs.
Reflecting on their onstage collaborations, Doherty recalled the strong connection he shared with MacGowan and praised “Fairytale of New York” as an enduring masterpiece. Despite being aware of MacGowan’s illness, Doherty expressed shock at the news of his passing, emphasizing MacGowan’s perceived invincibility.
James Fearnley, MacGowan’s former bandmate in The Pogues, remembered him as a tearaway with deep concerns about the state of the world. Fearnley cherished the experiences shared with MacGowan and expressed sorrow over his departure.
MacGowan’s spouse, Victoria Mary Clarke, shared heartfelt sentiments about missing him, acknowledging every aspect of his being, including his smile, eyes, laughter, sense of humor, and voice.
Notable personalities paying tribute to MacGowan include musician and actress Camille O’Sullivan, who described him as a lovable and gentle soul with astute insights. Nick Cave hailed him as a true friend and the greatest songwriter of his generation, while Tim Burgess of The Charlatans lauded MacGowan’s life lived to the full and recognized him as a lyrical genius. Irish President Michael D Higgins acknowledged MacGowan’s profound impact on connecting people to Irish culture through his poetic words.
TV presenter Carol Vorderman shared a poignant image of MacGowan alongside the late Sinead O’Connor, labeling them as “the incredible rebel[s] of [her] generation.” The tributes underscored MacGowan’s enduring legacy and influence on music and culture.
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