The Pogues confirm death of drummer Andrew Ranken: “Thank you for everything”
The Pogues have confirmed the death of drummer Andrew Ranken, aged 72.
Ranken was a founding member of the group in the 1980s, playing on every album they recorded, from their 1984 debut Red Roses For Me to their final release, Pogue Mahone.
He returned to the fold in 2001 for The Pogues’ reunion, which lasted until 2014. Due to health issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Ranken did not perform with them during their second reunion, which began in 2024.
No cause of death has been confirmed.
In a statement, The Pogues solemnly shared news of Ranken’s death on social media, writing, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues.”
The iconic band continued, “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.”
The Pogues concluded by writing, “Our thoughts and love are with his family at this sad and difficult time.”
Victoria Mary Clarke, the widow of the late Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan, shared a tribute of her own to Ranken in the comments section of the band’s post, writing, “Andrew was a beautiful human and a total gentleman and an absolutely legendary drummer.”
Clarke continued, “He was very much loved by Shane MacGowan, and I have no doubt that he will be warmly welcomed by Shane, but he will be very much missed here on Earth”.
In 2023, Ranken, who had been ill for some time at this stage, released his final recording with his band The Mysterious Wheels, which was a charity single in aid of St Joseph’s Hospice in London.
At the time, he said the song “perfectly captured the peace and serenity one feels while sitting in the Hospice garden, far away from the hustle and bustle of life in Hackney, which is as it should be”.
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