STAR DEAD 

The Pogues drummer Andrew Ranken, 72, dies as devastated band pays tribute to ‘heartbeat’ and founding member

THE Pogues drummer Andrew Ranken has sadly died aged 72.

The talented musician was a founding member of the band, helping bring the first line-up together in 1983.

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Andrew performed in the band between 1983 and 1996 and then reprised his role from 2001 until 2014.

The Pogues said in a heartfelt statement on X, formerly Twitter: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues.

“Andrew, thank you for everything, for your friendship, your wit and your generosity of spirit, and of course for the music, forever a true friend and brother.

“Our thoughts and love are with his family at this sad and difficult time.”

Nicknamed ‘The Clobberer’, Andrew played drums, percussion and harmonica and provided vocals for The Pogues in the 90s and 00s.

Tributes have since flooded in for Andrew, with one fan writing: “So sad to here this news.

“A drumming legend in my favourite band of all time. RIP Andrew. Condolences to all his family and friends.”

Another commented: “An unparalleled drummer and a gentleman.”

And a third added: “What a loss. Thanks for the music! RIP.”

Andrew suffered with ill health over the years and had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The Pogues recently embarked on a 40th anniversary tour in celebration of their album Rum Sodomy and the Lash, with surviving members Spider Stacy, James Fearnley and Jem Finer having all taken to the stage.

But Andrew did not appear in the tour due to his health issues and was replaced by Fontaine’s D.C.’s Tom Cull.

The world-famous band was founded in London in the 1980s and they released their debut album, Red Roses for Me, in 1984.

Andrew played the drums on the Pogues’ Fairytale of New York which is by far and away the band’s most memorable song.

Nearly forty years on, it remains one of the most popular Christmas songs never to have reached Number One.

Originally released in 1987, the song was written by Pogues singer Shane MacGown, who was born on Christmas day, and the band’s banjo player Jem Finer.

The duet about a couple who have fallen on hard times is still considered by many to be the greatest Christmas song ever – and it still makes an astonishing amount of cash every year for the band.

As well as his work with The Pogues, Andrew also performed with a blues band in more recent years called The Mysterious Wheels – who shared the album ‘Bare Bones’ in 2024 – as well as in a group called hKippers.

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