The Pogues' frontman Shane MacGowan had an emotional view on being a dad.
Shane, who spent recent years in and out of hospital with various health issues, died at age 65 on Thursday after a lifetime of success in the music industry. He collaborated with the likes of Kirsty MacColl, Joe Strummer, Nick Cave, Steve Earle, Johnny Depp, Sinéad O'Connor, and Ronnie Drew.
The Fairytale of New York singer made a great impact on the world of arts and entertainment thanks to his work with his band. His wife Victoria Mary Clarke announced Shane's death saying: "Shane will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life".
Shane and Victoria wed in 2018 at an intimate ceremony in Denmark, some 32 years after they started dating. He first meet journalist Victoria when she was just 16 years old and he was 24. The couple decided not to have any children. According to an interview with Victoria, she said they felt they were too indisciplined and irresponsible to be parents as well as being happy with their dogs and cats, that they considered as their children.
Shane also made a heartbreaking confession as he told the Telegraph: “I wouldn’t wish myself on any kid as a father." Shane's bandmates issued a statement confirming the sad news on Thursday, with The Pogues' official Twitter (X) account writing: "It is with the deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of SHANE MACGOWAN. Shane died peacefully at 3am this morning (30 November, 2023) with his wife Victoria and family by his side.
Inside Jeff Beck's friendship with 'music soulmate' Johnny Depp as rocker dies"Prayers and the last rites were read which gave comfort to his family. He is survived by his wife Victoria, his sister Siobhan and his father, Maurice, family and a large circle of friends. Further details will be announced shortly but the family ask for privacy at this very sad time."
Captioning a black-and-white picture of Shane holding a glass and a cigarette, taken during the singer's younger years, Victoria also shared an emotional tribute. It came after she shared her fear of losing her husband just two weeks ago. She told fans: "I don’t know how to say this so I am just going to say it. Shane who will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life and the most beautiful soul and beautiful angel and the sun and the moon and the start and end of everything that I hold dear has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese.
"I am blessed beyond words to have met him and to have loved him and to have been so endlessly and unconditionally loved by him and to have had so many years of life and love and joy and fun and laughter and so many adventures. There’s no way to describe the loss that I am feeling and the longing for just one more of his smiles that lit up my world."
Victoria concluded: "Thank you thank you thank you thank you for your presence in this world you made it so very bright and you gave so much joy to so many people with your heart and soul and your music. You will live in my heart forever. Rave on in the garden all wet with rain that you loved so much You meant the world to me."