Andrew Ranken, the Pogues drummer and founding member has died aged 72, the band has announced.
Mr Ranken, who performed with the group from 1983 to 1996 and again from 2001 until 2014, was described as the “heartbeat” of The Pogues in a tribute shared on X.
In a statement, the band said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues… Our thoughts and love are with his family at this sad and difficult time.”
Nicknamed “The Clobberer”, Ranken played drums, percussion and harmonica, and also provided vocals during his time with the band.
Fans have since paid tribute, hailing him as a “drumming legend” and “an unparalleled drummer and a gentleman”.
The Pogues are best known for their 1987 hit Fairytale of New York, written by Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer, which remains one of the UK’s most enduring and best-loved Christmas songs.
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