Andrew Ranken obit

Andrew Ranken dead: The Pogues drummer dies as band issues heartbreaking tribute

Andrew Ranken has died, the Pogues have announced in a sad statement. Tributes have flooded in for the much-loved drummer following his passing

 

He was not on the list.

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 from 2001 until 2014. Tributes have now flooded in for the drummer following his sad passing. In a statement today the Pogues 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."

A cause of death is not yet known. 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.

The band's statement marked an outpouring of tributes from fans with the musician described as "An unparalleled drummer and a gentleman."

"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," added another. "Such sad news ... RIP Andrew Ranken," another added, with a third writing, "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.

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!!"

Andrew's death comes after the death of Shane MacGowan in November 2023.

Speaking at the time, Shane's widow Victoria Mary Clarke said: "Shane who will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life and the most beautiful soul and beautiful angel and the sun and the moon and the start and end of everything that I hold dear has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese. I am blessed beyond words to have met him and to have loved him and to have been so endlessly and unconditionally loved by him and to have had so many years of life and love and joy and fun and laughter and so many adventures.