Shane MacGowan will live on in his music

The singer's wife Victoria Mary Clarke confirmed he passed away peacefully in a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram.

The 'Fairytale of New York' singer died after a long illness.

Thousands have been paying tribute to the music icon since news of his death broke this morning.

Fans remembered him as one of the best songwriters of our time, as well as "one of the all-time greats".

Very sad to hear of the passing of Shane MacGowan. The Pogues have been my soundtrack for 20+ years. Just a few months after the passing of his friend Sinéad O'Connor, too. Here they are together. Chalk and cheese, but with so much in common. Magic. pic.twitter.com/3SEcriOkM9

— Kevin Blake (@kevinblake2011) November 30, 2023

"Shane MacGowan’s songs were poetry. His lyrics helped at my darkest times, & they fuelled some of my maddest. Rest well, you wonderful madman," one said.

Another added, "A truly unique and very special songwriter and performer. Such sad news."

"RIP Shane MacGowan - you untameable wild beauty of a creative & talented maverick," another added.

A friend who carries Shane MacGowan’s music deep in his heart told me today that the first time he ever encountered anything to do with Palestine solidarity was The Pogues fundraising in the Brixton foyer in front of an enormous Palestine flag. 🇵🇸❤️

— Sarah_Woolley (@Sarah_Woolley) November 30, 2023

Novelist and journalist, Tony Parsons wrote, "I remember Shane MacGowan when he was in his mid-teens and coming down the Roxy in Covent Garden to bang on unattended drums in his Union Jack jacket. A crazy kid with a dream who grew into one of the greatest talents these islands have ever known. A creative giant. Sleep well, Shane, and see you at number one for Christmas."

Ireland has lost one of its greatest and most beloved musical icons.

Shane MacGowan was a poet, dreamer and social justice champion. He was a republican and a proud Irish man.

Nobody told the Irish story like Shane. He sang to us of dreams and captured stories of emigration... pic.twitter.com/CAhaLJrdwu

— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) November 30, 2023

Leo Varadkar added, "Sorry to hear that Shane McGowan has passed. He was an amazing musician and artist. His songs beautifully captured the Irish experience, especially the experience of being Irish abroad."

Rest in peace, Shane MacGowan.

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