Shane MacGowan funeral – latest: Johnny Depp, Bono and Bob Geldof give readings at Tipperary service
The Fairytale of New York singer will be given a private cremation in Nenagh
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Thousands of mourners including Irish leaders and the country’s biggest celebrities have gathered to pay their respects to Shane MacGowan, the iconic singer of The Pogues, on Friday.
The irrepressible frontman, known for songs including “Fairytale of New York” and “Pair of Brown Eyes”, died last week aged 65. Songs by the band are already playing on loop in the town of Nenagh, where a public mass will be held on Friday at 3.30pm ahead of a private cremation.
It comes after his widow Victoria Mary Clarke said the cause of Shane’s death was pneumonia. MacGowan had suffered from a number of health issues over the years, and had recently been discharged from hospital in Dublin, where he was being treated for encephalitis.
She posted: “Shane hated funerals and he refused to go to them with a few rare exceptions.
“So it’s incredible to think that so many people want to come to his and that so many beautiful people are pouring their hearts and souls into making it magnificent and magical and memorable for him and for us who are left behind.”
Johnny Depp gives a short reading as part of the Prayers of the Faithful.
“Just remember death is not the end. Rest in Peace, Shane”, he finishes.
Father Gilbert points out that something feels “right” about MacGowan sharing a birthday with Jesus, passing away on the same day as Oscar Wilde and having a funeral on the late Sinead O’Connor’s birthday.
“I know he adored you Victoria, and you him,” Father Gilbert says. “You carried, cared and caressed him, right to the very end.”
“The music and the lyrics alerted us to what was around us,” Father Gilbert says of the music of The Pogues, to applause from the crowd. “Shane MacGowan made it cool to play the tin whistle.”
It’s time for the Gospel, delivered by Father Pat Gilbert.
As Bono was unable to attend in person, a recording of the U2 frontman reading the Letter of St Paul’s to the Corinthians is played in the church.
Now, a rendition of “The Lord is My Shepherd”.
Nick Cave previously sang this song at Shane MacGowan’s 60th birthday party in 2017.
After a late entry, Nick Cave is here to perform the 1985 Pogues hit, “A Rainy Night in Soho”.
The crowd applauded as he made his way to the piano.
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