Shane MacGowan

Shane MacGowan left us so much – it’s just a pity he didn’t leave us more

The Pogues frontman was a brilliant songwriter but only recorded seven studio albums across a 13-year period

MacGowan was unable, or unwilling, to draw more from the well of his gift

Towards the end of his show in Dublin’s 3Arena last year, Bob Dylan made a rare address to the audience.

“I want to say hello to Shane MacGowan,” Dylan rasped. “He's one of our favourite artists and we hope he makes another record soon.”

Dylan never did get that wish. For more than a quarter of a century, MacGowan’s most ardent fans similarly yearned for a new body of work from a man rightfully heralded ...