Shane MacGowan (1957-2023) was a British-born Irish singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the primary vocalist and lyricist for the folk punk band The Pogues, of which he was a member from their formation in 1982 until 1991, and again from 2001 until 2014.
Shane MacGowan battled with alcoholism, as well as addiction to heroin for some time. He ultimately died of pneumonia in November 2023.
Views
MacGowan, an ardent Irish republican, had some controversial views. Discussing his Irish republicanism, MacGowan said "I believe in a republic, a socialist republic",[1] which is at odds with the views of some Irish republicans, such as the more conservative Justin Barrett. Similar to US Democrat führer Joe Biden, he had a friendship with Gerry Adams, who is perhaps best known for his sympathies to the IRA.[2] MacGowan himself claimed he regretted not joining the IRA.