The renowned songwriter and singer, Shane MacGowan, known for his role in the Irish Punk band The Pogues, passed away at the age of 65. His wife shared the sad news on Instagram, mentioning that he peacefully left with his wife and sister beside him. Last year, Shane MacGowan revealed in a video that he had encephalitis, a serious brain inflammation. His musical contributions will be remembered by many.
Shane MacGowan, the frontman of The Pogues, passed away on November 30 from pneumonia, as confirmed by his wife, Victoria Mary Clarke. Shane, famous for his role in “Fairytale of New York,” used a wheelchair since a fall in 2015. In 2018, he was honored with a lifetime achievement award on his 60th birthday in Dublin.
Shane MacGowan was diagnosed with viral encephalitis last year and sought treatment for an infection at a Dublin hospital in November. He was discharged on Nov. 22 and returned home, where he later passed away on Nov. 30 in the company of his wife Victoria Mary Clarke and other family members.
A funeral service for Shane McGowan is scheduled for Friday, open to the public. The procession will travel from Nenagh in Tipperary, Shane’s home county, to Dublin. The funeral will be held at St. Mary of the Rosary Church and conducted by JJ Ryan’s Undertakers, according to RTE reports.
Shane MacGowan never intended to create a Christmas song, but his “Fairytale of New York,” released in 1987, has become a beloved part of our holiday traditions. Even after his passing, his connection to the song remains significant.
It’s quite interesting that the song, born from a bet with Elvis Costello and intentionally avoiding a sentimental vibe, turned out to be the most beloved. Shane MacGowan, who probably found it amusing, consistently said it’s not a ‘Christmas song.’ He viewed it as a love story set at Christmas, in a drunk tank.
Shane MacGowan Net Worth
Shane MacGowan, a cherished rock star in the ’80s and ’90s, was known for his unique voice, slurred singing, and clever lyrics. Unfortunately, his heavy-drinking lifestyle led to his departure from the Pogues in 1991. Afterward, the band continued without him for some time before officially disbanding in 1996. They reunited in 2001 for tours but eventually parted ways for good in 2014. In 2018, Shane was honored with awards for inspiration and lifetime achievement at a special birthday celebration in Dublin.Shane MacGowan founded the Pogues in 1982, blending Celtic folk with punk to honor his Irish heritage. The band achieved chart success with hits like “Sally McLennane” and “Dirty Old Town.” Their standout achievement is “Fairytale of New York,” a duet with Kirsty MacColl, celebrated as a humorous, poignant, and somewhat cheeky Christmas classic in pop music.
There has been ongoing discussion about the earnings of Shane MacGowan and The Pogues from their song throughout the years. Estimates vary widely, ranging from millions to suggestions that Shane’s wealth was just over a million euros at the time of his passing.
Contrary to earlier estimates, Shane MacGowan’s net worth at the time of his passing was likely higher. According to Business Plus, he earned around €250k – €300k annually in royalties from the song, totaling between €9 and €10.8 million. Additionally, Shane and his widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, owned an apartment in the upscale area of Ballsbridge in Dublin.
Despite Shane MacGowan’s departure from the Pogues companies, his estimated net worth at the time of his death was around €5 million. Additionally, Shane and his wife, Victoria, had additional income from selling scarves designed by Victoria, starting at a price of €129.
One week after Shane’s passing, “Fairytale of New York” has claimed the top spot on the charts in Ireland. There are now calls for it to be number one for Christmas in the UK, marking a historic first.