The sad news filtered through yesterday about the death of Shane MacGowan aged 65. He nearly made 66 given his birthday was on Christmas Day.
It is perhaps no surprise given that he had been in hospital for several months with viral encephalitis. I'm just speculating but perhaps he had been allowed home to die peacefully with his family. Given his lifestyle many would not have put money on him reaching 55 or maybe even 45 but he has always defied the odds and clearly was a fighter.
He was also a terrific songwriter and a great interpreter of traditional tunes. He will probably be best remembered for his classic Christmas song Fairytale of New York on which he was accompanied by the equally great Kirsty MacCall another one who was taken to soon.
It would be a fitting tribute if it was this years Christmas number one rather than some knob singing about sausage rolls.
It was a hair raising ride that ended too soon. He was a man you don't meet every day. Time to rest easy Shane.
The Pogues - If I Should Fall With Grace With God
The Pogues (featuring Kirsty MacCall ) -Fairytale of New York
A lovely tribute, CC. I started one too but decided to post about another sad loss today, somewhat overshadowed by Shane’s passing and a couple of political heavyweights.
ReplyDeleteThe other challenge was which songs to pick for Shane? Your selection is spot on, CC. Rum, Sodomy & The Lash was ‘my’ Pogues album and made an indelible impression on this 14-year old in 1985.
There’ll never be a songwriter and performer quite like Shane MacGowan. Rest easy, sir.
A very lovely tribute to a man that meant a lot to me in the 80's. Sad he's gone
ReplyDeleteIt was sad news indeed but as you say a minor miracle he made it to 65. Your Christmas Day post will be a tad different this year.
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