Shane MacGowan

Shane MacGowan

Shane MacGowan is an Irish singer-songwriter associated with Irish folk, punk and Celtic rock. Born in Pembury, United Kingdom, in 1957 and died in 2023, he is best known as the original singer and songwriter with The Pogues.

The Pogues and Irish themes

MacGowan founds The Pogues and becomes closely identified with the band’s sound and writing. His songs draw on Irish heritage, Irish nationalism, Irish history, and the experience of Irish life in London. He is widely regarded as an important Irish songwriter, known for a poetic approach to these subjects.

Other bands and collaborations

After leaving The Pogues, he forms Shane MacGowan and the Popes. He also appears with Sharon Shannon and her Big Band from 2007, and later works with Sharon Shannon, Mundy, Damien Dempsey and Dessie O’Halloran on Irish dates and festival appearances. In 2009 he records with The Mighty Stef, Mundy, Sharon Shannon and The Popes, and in 2010 he records a cover of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put A Spell On You” for charity. He is also associated with Shane MacGowan and The Shane Gang, Joe Strummer and the Astro-Physicians, The Justice Collective and the Nipple Erectors.

Later activity

MacGowan takes part in reunion shows with The Pogues during the 2004 to 2010 period. He also performs a short UK tour with Camille O’Sullivan in April 2009, appears at MayDay Mayhem in Dublin, and plays festivals in the UK and Ireland. By 2010 he is performing with a new band that includes Sarge O’Hara on keys, Joey Cahsman on whistle, and Jack Dublin and Paul Byrne on rhythm section duties.

Recordings and releases

His collaborative work includes tracks on Alabama 3’s Revolver Soul and Galia Arad’s Ooh La Baby, both released in 2010. He also records material with Sharon Shannon and friends, including seasonal performances of “Fairytale of New York” and “Galway Girl”, which become an annual fixture. A 2008 Killarney performance is broadcast by TG4 on New Year’s Eve.