Shane Patrick Lysaght MacGowan (b. 25 December 1957 in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England) is an Irish musician. He is best known for his involvement with The Pogues as their original vocalist, and is considered one of the most important and poetic songwriters of the last thirty years, often echoing his influences such as Brendan Behan in his writing style.

History

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MacGowan was born on Christmas Day in Tunbridge Wells, Kent while his Irish parents were visiting relatives. His parents were working in England at the time and were unhappy there, so when Shane was three months old, they sent him back to Ireland, where he lived with his mother's family in Puckane, near Nenagh, County Tipperary. While there, he was completely immersed in the traditional music of Irish culture. When he was six, and it was time for him to start school, his parents brought him to London. His mother was a great singer and traditional dancer and had worked as a model in Dublin. His father was very interested in literature and writing. In 1971 he got a musical scholarship and was accepted into Westminster School. Shane was busted for posession of drugs and was kicked out in his second year. MacGowan got his first taste of fame when in 1976 at a The Clash concert his earlobe was bitten off by a girl he had previously been kissing. A photographer snapped a picture of him covered in blood and it made the papers, with the headline "Cannibalism At Clash Gig", turning him into a local punk legend. Shortly after this, he formed his own punk rock band, The Nipple Erectors, later renamed to the "The Nips". He tried busking at Covent Garden but failed miserably.

Fame

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MacGowan drew on his Irish heritage to create The Pogues, a band that he founded, but was away from during a long hiatus during the 1990s. He has written songs that many consider of astonishing beauty, though their lyricism is sometimes obscured by the quick, rough performance and folk-punk sound of the band, as well as his slurred voice. Many of his songs are influenced by Irish nationalism, Irish history, the experiences of the Irish in London and in London life in general. MacGowan has often cited the 19th century Irish poet, James Clarence Mangan, as well as author/poet/playwright (and IRA member), Brendan Behan, as influences.

Since leaving The Pogues, he has formed a new band, Shane MacGowan and The Popes.

More on [ Shane MacGowan ]

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