Crowds lined the streets of the Irish capital, Dublin, on Friday to pay tribute to Irish musician Shane McGowan, who died last week at the age of 65.
McGowan, lead singer of the folk punk band The Pogues, died on November 30, sparking an outpouring of tribute messages.
Thousands gathered applauded as his coffin was transported through the city in a horse-drawn carriage, led by members of the Art Band, a touring band of young musicians who played some of McGowan’s songs, including “Fairy Tale of New York” and “A Rainy Night in Soho.”
McGowan has been hospitalized several times in Dublin since July.
The late singer had written the classic Christmas song “Fairytale of New York,” which he sang with Kirsty MacColl in 1987. When the song, about a couple whose relationship is going through difficult times, was played as the memorial procession passed, the audience reacted, clapping and singing along with the chorus.
McGowan was born in England in 1957 to Irish parents. In 1982, he founded the band “The Bugs”, which combined punk and Irish folk music. During the 1980s, it became the political voice of young Irish immigrants in London, while opposing the policies of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the imposed censorship. From the authorities.
McGowan was known for his songs that reflected the lives of the Irish and their diaspora.
“Shane will remain one of the greatest songwriters,” Irish President Michael D. Higgins said in a statement, noting that his songs were “well-written poems.”
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar described McGowan as a “wonderful musician and artist”.
