Andrew Ranken, drummer for the Pogues, dies at 72

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Andrew Ranken, the drummer and one of the original members of the Celtic punk band The Pogues from London, has passed away at the age of 72.

The Pogues announced the death of a key member, often called the ‘heartbeat’ of the band, on Wednesday in an Instagram post.

Jem Finer, James Fearnley, and Spider Stacy shared a tribute to Andrew, expressing their gratitude for his friendship, humor, and kindness, as well as his music. They described him as a true friend and brother and offered their condolences to his family during this difficult time.

Born in London on November 13, 1953, Andrew Ranken – known as ‘The Clobberer’ – started playing the drums at age 14. He became a member of the Pogues in 1983 when Shane MacGowan, the band’s singer who has since passed away, invited him to join, as reported by the Irish Times. Ranken also played drums for other bands including Lola Cobra, the Stickers, and the Operation.

Obituaries

The Pogues, famous for their holiday song ‘Fairytale of New York,’ created a distinctive and captivating sound by mixing traditional Irish music with rock and roll.

The Pogues were famous for songs like “A Pair of Brown Eyes,” “Streams of Whiskey,” and the Christmas classic “Fairytale of New York.” They created a one-of-a-kind sound by combining traditional Irish music with the raw energy of punk rock.

Natalie Nichols, writing for The Times in 2006, described The Pogues as a politically charged, working-class band that celebrated Irish culture. Their music, both original songs and traditional tunes, often explored themes of Irish-English relations and the lives of immigrants, and was known for its energetic and intense delivery.

Besides playing the drums, Ranken also played harmonica and sang lead vocals for the group. He was with the Pogues until they broke up in 1996, following the departures of several important members – including original singer Shane MacGowan – who left due to issues like alcohol abuse. Ranken later rejoined when the band reformed in 2001 and continued performing with them until 2014.

The Pogues reformed in 2024 without founding member Ranken and recently toured to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their 1985 album, “Rum Sodomy & the Lash” – an album Ranken is known for having titled.

Victoria Mary Clarke, MacGowan’s wife, shared a tribute on Instagram, praising Ranken for supporting the band in its early days. She highlighted how he endured rough, underground venues and developed a powerful, distinctive drumming style.

According to Clarke, the Pogues wouldn’t have found their signature, energetic sound without him. He was the driving force and emotional center of the band, and a steadfast friend throughout his life.

According to Clarke, Ranken died following a “long and brave battle with illness.”

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2026-02-12 00:31