Shane MacGowan of The Pogues throughout the years after star's death

Known as the lead vocalist and songwriter of Celtic punk band the Pogues, Shane had a long music career that spanned decades and touched many

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By

Rayana Zapryanova

08:00, 2 DEC 2023

Shane MacGowan — Shane MacGowan in 1986 (Image: Getty)

As Ireland mourns singer Shane MacGowan after his tragic death earlier this week, we take a look at his career and life in photos.

Known as one of core members of The Pogues, Shane had a long music career both as part of the band and outside of it. Over the decades, he touched the heart of millions of fans worldwide with classics like Fairytale of New York and Rainy Night in Soho.

Scroll down to take a look at some of the key moments of his life and career. Rest in peace, Shane.

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Young Shane as a magazine editor in 1977
19-year-old Shane MacGowan was the editor of punk rock magazine Bondage at the time. He is pictured in his office at St Andrews Chambers, Wells Street, London (Photo by Sydney O'Meara/Getty Images)
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Shane at a concert in 1977
Joe Strummer, Mick Hones and Paul Simonon of The Clash performing live onstage as young with Shane MacGowan pictured in audience (Photo by Ian Dickson/Redferns)
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Shane exactly 39 years before his death
November 30, 1984: Pictured are Shane MacGowan, Cait O'Riordan, Andrew Rankin, Jem Finer, Spider Stacy, James Fearnley of The Pogues (Photo by Steve Rapport/Getty Images)
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Shane with Kirsty MacCollin 1985
Kirsty MacColl and Shane Macgowan in 1985 - they collaborated for the beloved Christmas classic Fairytale of New York (Photo by Brian Rasic/Getty Images)
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The Pogues at Glastonbury in 1986
The Pogues performing at the Glastonbury Festival near Pilton, Somerset on June 20, 1986. Left to right: Jem Finer, Terry Woods and singer Shane MacGowan (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
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Shane in 1988
Shane MacGowan in Barcelona, Spain on May 9, 1988 (photo by Frans Schellekens/Redferns)
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