The Pogues have announced the death of their longtime drummer, Andrew Ranken.
The 72-year-old musician, who played drums, percussion, harmonica and contributed vocals across the band’s classic eras, was part of The Pogues’ 1983 original line-up and remained with them until 1996. He later rejoined the group in 2001, performing with them through their reunion years until 2014.
In a statement shared on Wednesday (11.02.26), the Fairytale of New York hitmakers paid tribute to their beloved bandmate: “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.”
A cause of death is not known at the time of writing.
However, he sat out the band’s most recent run of dates due to health issues and was replaced by Fontaine’s D.C.’s Tom Cull.
The Pogues embarked on their first tour in more than a decade, since the death of frontman Shane MacGowan, in May last year.
The singer passed away in November 2024, at the age of 65, following a battle with pneumonia.
Surviving members Spider Stacy, 67, James Fearnley, 71, and Jem Finer, 70, reunited for the gigs last year.
Ranken’s powerful, unmistakable playing helped define The Pogues’ sound through their rise in the 80s and 90s, contributing to some of the band’s most celebrated recordings and live performances.
