Pogues drummer Andrew Ranken has passed away. He was 72 years old.
The British Celtic punk band announced that Ranken passed away on February 10th.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, founding member, drummer, and heartthrob of The Pogues,” the group said in a statement on Instagram Wednesday.
“Andrew, thank you for everything: your friendship, your wit, your generous spirit, and of course your music. A true friend and brother forever,” the band continued.
“Our thoughts and love are with his family at this sad and difficult time,” the message added.
The statement was signed by the band’s current members Spider Stacey, James Fearnley and Jem Finner.
Ranken’s cause of death has not been confirmed.
According to Rolling Stone, the drummer had been ill for many years and suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Siobhan McGowan, sister of late Pogues frontman Shane McGowan, paid tribute to Ranken on ‘X’.
Siobhan wrote: “Andrew was so important to this story. He was a band brother and an incredibly talented and unique drummer. May he rest in peace.”
Ranken, known by his nickname “The Clobberer”, joined The Pogues in March 1983, a year after the band formed in King’s Cross, London.
He was invited to join the band by McGowan and Feiner, now 70 years old. He initially declined the offer because he was the lead singer of The Operation, but later changed his mind and replaced Pogues drummer John Hassler.
Ranken remained with the Pogues until they disbanded in 1996 following the failure of their seventh and final studio album, Pogue Mane.
The band reformed in 2001, with Ranken playing drums, percussion, harmonica, and providing vocals. The group toured the world for the next ten years, disbanding again in 2014 following the death of longtime guitarist Philip Chevron.
In 2024, Finner, Stacey, 67, and Fearnley, 71, reunited the Pogues for another tour in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of their second studio album, Rum Sodomy and the Rush.
Ranken did not participate in the tour due to health issues, and was replaced by Fontaine DC’s Tom Coll.
In addition to the Pogues, Ranken played with other bands such as The Mysterious Wheels and The Kippers.
