Shane MacGowan, frontman of the Irish punk-folk band The Pogues, passed away early on Thursday morning, his family have confirmed.
The Fairytale of New York singer had been bed-ridden in hospital for much of this year, with updates from his nearest and dearest showing an obvious decline in his condition.
According to reports, MacGowan passed away at 3 a.m., surrounded by his wife and family. He was 65 years old.
Victoria Mary Clarke, MacGowan’s wife, wrote on Instagram: “I don’t know how to say this so I am just going to say it.
“‘There’s no way to describe the loss that I am feeling and the longing for just one more of his smiles that lit up my world.” She also described MacGowan as the “love of my life and the most beautiful soul and beautiful angel.”
A cause of death has not yet been given for MacGowan, who was known for his heavy drinking and drug use.
During Christmas 2022, the singer was hospitalized and had been receiving treatment since then.
It was later revealed that Shane had been diagnosed with the rare brain condition encephalitis, which is characterized by inflammation in the brain and can be a life-threatening condition requiring urgent medical attention, per the Mirror.
As per reports, MacGowan, who wheelchair bound since 2015, had been in the hospital earlier this month for an unknown condition. He was only discharged last week.
Rest in peace, Shane.
