The Pogues drummer Andrew Ranken has died aged 72 - with his bandmates today paying tribute to 'a true friend and brother'. The news comes just over two years after the death of the band's legendary frontman Shane MacGowan, aged 65, in November 2023. Ranken played on the Pogues' most famous song, Christmas classic Fairytale Of New York, a duet between MacGowan and the late Kirsty MacColl. In a statement on Wednesday, the Pogues said: 'It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues. After the Pogues' break-up in 1996, the three remaining long-term members - Stacy, Ranken and Hunt - played together briefly as The Vendettas.

Source: Daily Mail February 11, 2026 23:15 UTC