The city of Dublin is wrapped in a blanket of sadness and gratitude as family, friends and fans gather to bid farewell to rock icon and frontman of The Pogues, Shane MacGowan, in an emotional funeral that pays tribute to his unparalleled musical legacy.
Thousands of people accompanied the coffin through the streets of the Irish capital on its way to St. Mary of the Rosary Church. Among those attending the ceremony, held in Shane’s home county, were renowned artists such as Johnny Depp, Nick Cave and Bono, and other prominent figures such as Catholic leader Gerry Adams. The funeral drew a crowd of fans who gathered to remember the genius behind such anthems as “Fairytale of New York” and “Dirty Old Town.” MacGowan, known for his unique voice and raw poetry, leaves an indelible mark on the music scene.
MacGowan’s widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, presented items of her husband’s during the funeral such as a Led Zeppelin record, art and lyrics by MacGowan that form a Crock Of God book, a James Joyce novel, a hurling stick and a Tipperary flag, were among the items present during a ceremony tinged with sadness and memories, but in which spontaneous applause and displays of affection and admiration for the artist arose.
Shane MacGowan founded The Pogues fusing Rock and Roll and Irish folk in an original and innovative mix. Several of the band’s songs have become anthems such as“A pair of brown eyes“,“If I should fall from grace with god” and the Christmas ballad“Fairytale of New york“. MacGowan’s performances were famous for their interpretations mixed with high doses of drugs and alcohol. DEP.
