His songs provided me with motivation during my departure from home.
Similar to those who came before me, I faced the difficult choice to leave my familiar home and seek better opportunities in a new land across the Irish Sea. At the age of 24, I relocated to Manchester all by myself, not knowing anyone. Growing up, I often listened to the Pogues, whose music was a constant presence in my childhood memories with my father. He would often record my siblings and I, using their songs as the background music. The heartfelt lyrics of Shane’s songwriting provided me with a sense of nostalgia and comfort during challenging moments, such as homesickness, isolation, and self-doubt.
There was one song that really struck a chord with me – Sally MacLennane. Every time I had to say goodbye and return to England, the lyrics “I’d like to think of me returning when I can” would constantly play in my mind. It always lifted my spirits, but it was still difficult to say goodbye, especially with aging parents and a sick grandparent.
I am unable to express enough gratitude towards Shane for his beautiful poetry, wit, and insightful observations on society. The passing of both him and Sinéad O’Connor have left a small shadow over the world. Ireland is deeply saddened and will greatly miss them both. Rest in peace, Shane. May your soul be at peace with God. From Emma Deeny, a woman in her early thirties from Belfast.
“I have attended some of the greatest concerts in my life.”
It’s not surprising news about Shane MacGowan, but it’s still painful. I will be listening to The Pogues all day and reminiscing about some of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. I can vividly recall the first time I heard their music. I was 20 years old at a college party when the DJ played a wild record that seemed to whirl around and envelop me, only to then hit me on the head and repeat the process. It was “Sally MacLennane” and I was instantly captivated. The next day, I rushed out to buy “Rum Sodomy & the Lash” and played it on repeat. To this day, I still know every note.
The first time I encountered them was at the Brixton Academy in south-west London. It felt like a completely different world. The crowd was mostly young Irish people living in London, and drinks were being thrown around. They kicked off their performance with a song like Streams of Whiskey, and suddenly everyone was rushing towards the stage. People were jumping and bouncing, limbs flailing everywhere – it’s a miracle no one got hurt. This went on for two hours, with Shane cackling and snarling at us from the stage. When it was all over, we emerged covered in sweat and beer, our hair a mess, feeling exhausted and with sore feet, torn shirts, and bruises on our arms. But we couldn’t wait to go back in and do it all over again. Those were happy days. Thank you, Shane. Robert Rea, 58, former journalist from Enfield in north London.
In 2012, I created this drawing that brought a smile to his face.
I was amazed by the songs that this individual wrote for the Pogues. We crossed paths a few times throughout the years, starting in London during the early 1980s. He had a great sense of humor and was quite clever. His words and lyrics served as inspiration for much of my graphic design work. The final time we met was in August 2012, where I created this sketch that brought a smile to his face. Christoph Heuer, a 61-year-old graphic artist from Germany.
“I was a timid 16-year-old until he helped me break out of my shell.”
Before the idea of “What would Beyoncé do?” emerged, Shane MacGowan and the Pogues played a crucial role in helping a 16-year-old who struggled with shyness. I traveled to different places to see the Pogues perform, even going alone, and eventually ended my journey on March 16, 1990 at the New York Palladium for St. Patrick’s Day festivities. This experience helped me break out of my shell and take control of my life, no longer letting shyness hold me back.
Although Shane MacGowan did not contribute to the writing of my PhD thesis, I believe that his music gave me the courage to complete it. The first two Pogues albums were constantly playing on my turntables for years and I have made a request for “Sally MacLennane” to be played at my funeral. Thank you, Shane. Tonight, I will raise a glass in your honor. Deborah Mutch, 58, Derby.
This photo is still my top favorite out of all the ones I took.
In the 1970s, I was acquainted with Shane while he was employed at the Rocks Off record stall in the Soho Market of central London. During this time, he formed his initial musical group, the Nipple Erectors, which was later abbreviated to the Nips for airplay on radio. I also took numerous photos of the band for the record company as well as for publications such as Sounds and NME.
Shane and I, along with the other guys from the stall, would frequently visit the upstairs bar of the Cambridge pub in Cambridge Circus, close to the market. During one of these visits, I captured a photo of Shane that remains my favorite out of all the ones I took. Our paths crossed again at a party in 1982, where Shane mentioned his plans to start a new band, Pogue Mahone. Unfortunately, due to my busy schedule with my new spouse, home, and career, I never had the opportunity to photograph or see him again. Andrew Calvert, a 69-year-old freelance cameraman from Ruislip, west London.
‘A very sound, funny guy, even after a few bottles’
I have a distinct memory of witnessing the Pogues during the peak of their fame at a massive venue called the Beaten Path in County Mayo, Ireland. This was in January 1986 and there were approximately 5,000 individuals enthusiastically enjoying the band’s performance. On another occasion, I had the opportunity to interview one of the band members for their album The Snake. Despite arriving five hours behind schedule and under the influence, he was a pleasant and amusing individual. Paddy Cunnane, a 65-year-old retired radio host and producer from County Kerry, Ireland.
The relationship between Kirsty MacColl and Shane amazed us.
In 1988, I attended a concert at Rock City in Nottingham. At the time, I was a 19-year-old student studying history. The Pogues, a band that had been a part of my Irish upbringing, were performing. One of the most memorable moments was when Kirsty MacColl joined them on stage during their performance of “Fairytale of New York.” The chemistry between her and lead singer Shane was electric and left the audience in awe. Despite Shane being the main focus, it was clear that he enjoyed performing with other musicians who he connected with. The Saw Doctors opened for them and later in the gig, a brass trio and Joe Strummer also made appearances. It was a spectacular show that I will never forget. Sadly, we have lost a legend, but I still have fond memories of that night and hope I still have the shirt from the concert. This is Sue from Switzerland, sharing my experience.
Source: theguardian.com
