Andrew Ranken has died, the Pogues have announced in a sad statement. During his time with The Pogues, Andrew played drums, percussion and harmonica and provided vocals for the band in the 90s and 00s.
The drummer performed in the band between 1983 and 1996 and then reprised his role in the band from 2001 until 2014. Tributes have now flooded in for the drummer following his sad passing.
In a statement, they shared: “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.”
Andrew suffered with ill health over the years and had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He released a song raising money for charity in support of St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney.
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FilmMagic)
Tributes have flooded in for Andrew, with one fan writing: “So sad to here this news. A drumming legend in my favourite band of all time. RIP Andrew. Condolences to all his family and friends.”
“Such sad news … RIP Andrew Ranken,” another added, with a third writing: “An unparalleled drummer and a gentleman.” A fourth added: “What a loss. Thanks for the music! RIP.”
The Pogues recently embarked on a 40th anniversary tour in celebration of their album Rum Sodomy and the Lash, with surviving members Spider Stacy, James Fearnley and Jem Finer having all taken to the stage.
Andrew did not appear in the tour due to his health issues and was replaced by Fontaine’s D.C.’s Tom Cull.
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FilmMagic)
A heartfelt tribute was paid to Andrew on his birthday last year, with the band saying that they were only as good as their drummer. In a sweet message posted online, they wrote: “Happy Birthday Andrew Ranken!
“Joe Strummer once said that a band is only as good as its drummer and Andrew is a fucking great drummer, the man who gave us our shape and muscle and turned us into a proper band. But above all that he’s an absolute titan of a man, one of the best human beings in the world. So, once more with feeling… Happy Birthday Andrew Ranken!!”
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