'The measure of our dreams': Read the touching tributes from fans following Shane MacGowan's death
MacGowan was born in Kent on Christmas Day 1957.
"I remember Shane MacGowan when he was in his mid-teens and coming down the Roxy in Covent Garden to bang on unattended drums in his Union Jack jacket," writes journalist Tony Parsons, after news of Shane MacGowan's death was announced earlier today.
"A crazy kid with a dream who grew into one of the greatest talents these islands have ever known. A creative giant. Sleep well Shane and see you at number one for Christmas."
Parsons tribute was among thousands that have begun to pour in after news of his passing hit headlines.
President Michael D Higgins acknowledged MacGowan's early roots of music and storytelling in a statement issued this afternoon.
"His words have connected Irish people all over the globe to their culture and history, encompassing so many human emotions in the most poetic of ways," Higgins pointed out. "Shane’s talent was nurtured from a young age by his mother Therese, herself an award winning folk singer in her own right. Therese, who lost her life in such tragic circumstances on New Year’s Day 2017, inspired in Shane the love of Irish music and traditions which resulted in the wonderful music and lyrics which have been a source of such joy for so many people. Born on Christmas Day, there was perhaps some form of destiny which led Shane to writing ‘Fairytale of New York’, the timeless quality of which will surely mean that it will be listened to every Christmas for the next century or more. Likewise songs like ‘Rainy Night in Soho’, ‘A Pair of Brown Eyes’, ‘If I Should Fall from Grace with God’ and so many others will live on far into the years and decades to come.
I think too of ‘Haunted’, and the particular poignancy that both Shane and Sinéad O’Connor have left us in such quick succession."
Irish actress and presenter Siobhán McSweeney described 65-year-old MacGowan as "the voice of London for us Irish."
In a touching post, she wrote; "When I was scared about moving here he lured me over with songs about chancers, drinkers, lovers, poets and scoundrels. That’s the place for me ,I thought!
He also taught me how to miss home, whatever that may be. Damn shame, Shane".
His wife Victoria Mary Clarke shared the news on Instagram today saying "Shane will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life".
Recently MacGowan had suffered with severe health issues, and was treated at St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin for a time earlier this month. He was released from hospital last week ahead of his Christmas Day birthday. As well as visits from bandmates, Spider Stacy and Terry Woods, politician Gerry Adams says he'd been to see the singer.
"I am really sorry to hear of death of Shane Magowan," the former Sinn Féin leader wrote on X (previously Twitter) earlier today. "RG & I were with him and Victoria on Monday. Ireland has lost a great patriot, a poet and friend of the down trodden and marginalised."
Irish singer Moya Brennan was also moved to share a few words, as well as a picture of her with the Irish star.
"Sadness in my heart with the news of my dear friend, Shane," she wrote. "I was lucky and blessed to have had the opportunity to sing with him, and to call him a friend. My love goes to Kirsty as well as his family and friends."
English Musician Tim Burgess of The Charlatans described MacGowan as a “lyrical genius” and “an inspiration”. “Farewell Shane MacGowan," he wrote. "A life lived to the full. A lyrical genius. An inspiration to so many of us who wanted to be in band,” he said.
“I followed The Pogues to far flung places, met Shane a few times and watched some of the most exhilarating shows I’ve ever witnessed.”
English football pundit Stan Collymore also shared the music video for Fairytale of New York on social media alongside a tribute to the late star. “Rest in peace, Shane,” he said. “Thank you for the music and for many, making Christmas, Christmas. Suaimhneas Síoraí Air.”
Elsewhere, Sex Pistols' Glen Matlock encouraged his followers to pay tribute, posting "a big round of applause for the legend that was Shane McGowan who is sadly no longer with us. A pleasure to have known you. RIP matey. X"
MacGowan will always be associated with the festive period thanks to The Pogues' 1987 hit, Fairytale of New York, featuring the last Kirsty MacColl.
A song that will surely be even more poignant this Christmas now that both singers have passed.
