‘The genius of Shane’s contribution includes that his songs capture within them, as Shane would put it, the measure of our dreams – of so many worlds and particularly those of love, of the emigrant experience and of living and seeing the sides of life that so many turn away from.’
I saw the Pogues in 1986 and 1988. The ‘88 show at the Town and Country Club was filmed and released on video. Kirsty McColl sang on a couple of the songs, including Fairy Tale of New York. Joe Strummer also came on and they did I Fought the Law and London Calling.
Sadly the decline in Shane as front man and singer between 1986 and 1988 was already evident with his vocals much diminished and hanging onto the mike stand to stay upright. It was a real shame as the band were phenomenal that night but obviously carrying Shane.
Lyrical genius, what a talent, what a pisshead. Read that when he had liver problems many years ago he washed his medication down with bottles of wine. Always a brilliant night out with the Pogues RIP Shane
Sad day. What a great character he was. Used to know him back in the day. He went to Westminster school, which might surprise some people.
What also might surprise is he was born in Pembury, Kent, that well known republican stronghold 🤔which can also claim Jonny Williams, Ben Garner and Sam Billings as born in Pembury.
Born in Kent I Always thought he was Irish Rest Easy Shane
His parents were Irish and maybe just the drink talking ? But Macgowan was quoted as saying he wished he had the nerve to have joined the IRA and he was a friend of Gerry Adams. Still a great writer and lived the quintessential rock and roll life and death even if he way outlived the ' 27 group'.
I had forgotten that he came to see a band I was managing at Dingwalls once. Wish I had had the courage to go and chat with him.
Didn’t know you were in that business @Algarveaddick. Which band was it?
Rochee and the Sarnos. Once described by Sounds as "The oddballs of the cowpunk movement", which they weren't really, just a rockabilly band with a sense of humour.
I saw the Pogues in 1986 and 1988. The ‘88 show at the Town and Country Club was filmed and released on video. Kirsty McColl sang on a couple of the songs, including Fairy Tale of New York. Joe Strummer also came on and they did I Fought the Law and London Calling.
Sadly the decline in Shane as front man and singer between 1986 and 1988 was already evident with his vocals much diminished and hanging onto the mike stand to stay upright. It was a real shame as the band were phenomenal that night but obviously carrying Shane.
Was there at the T&C Club. Always dragged along by the then boyfriend to hold coats/pints etc as they chucked themselves about up the front. Brilliant night of many.
Some of my favourite ever gigs. Some of the most stunningly beautiful lyrics. Shane’s “image” belied one of the greatest songwriters we’ve ever been blessed with. He even played a part in The Jam’s early career, giving me another of my musical heroes. Forever grateful for being able to enjoy his genius.
Rest in Peace Shane. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam 💚
I saw the Pogues in 1986 and 1988. The ‘88 show at the Town and Country Club was filmed and released on video. Kirsty McColl sang on a couple of the songs, including Fairy Tale of New York. Joe Strummer also came on and they did I Fought the Law and London Calling.
Sadly the decline in Shane as front man and singer between 1986 and 1988 was already evident with his vocals much diminished and hanging onto the mike stand to stay upright. It was a real shame as the band were phenomenal that night but obviously carrying Shane.
Was there at the T&C Club. Always dragged along by the then boyfriend to hold coats/pints etc as they chucked themselves about up the front. Brilliant night of many.
I had the funeral on in the background while doing other stuff. Very impressive send-off. Then Cait got up and sang I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day, with the arrangement tweaked just slightly to turn it into more of a lament than a drinking song, and I'm afraid I was in bits after that.
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strongly recommended
Rest Easy Shane
RIP Shane.
‘The genius of Shane’s contribution includes that his songs capture within them, as Shane would put it, the measure of our dreams – of so many worlds and particularly those of love, of the emigrant experience and of living and seeing the sides of life that so many turn away from.’
– Irish President Michael D. Higgins pays tribute
Sadly the decline in Shane as front man and singer between 1986 and 1988 was already evident with his vocals much diminished and hanging onto the mike stand to stay upright. It was a real shame as the band were phenomenal that night but obviously carrying Shane.
https://youtu.be/40gvMLEGqIs?si=SZvs1piwGC7A9nr0
What also might surprise is he was born in Pembury, Kent, that well known republican stronghold 🤔which can also claim Jonny Williams, Ben Garner and Sam Billings as born in Pembury.
His parents were Irish and maybe just the drink talking ? But Macgowan was quoted as saying he wished he had the nerve to have joined the IRA and he was a friend of Gerry Adams.
Still a great writer and lived the quintessential rock and roll life and death even if he way outlived the ' 27 group'.
Saw him 'perform' on two occasions but the less said about them the better.
His wife Victoria's book A Drink with Shane MacGowan was an illuminating if dispiriting read.
Always dragged along by the then boyfriend to hold coats/pints etc as they chucked themselves about up the front.
Brilliant night of many.