1. Their Name Was a Gaelic Insult
The Pogues started life in 1982 under the name Pogue Mahone, an anglicized version of the Irish phrase póg mo thóin, meaning “kiss my arse.” That cheeky irreverence perfectly captured their punk attitude—but the name was deemed too offensive for mainstream radio, prompting the shorter, punchier The Pogues
2. They Mixed Irish Folk with Punk Rage
This Anglo-Irish band crafted a bold fusion of traditional Irish instruments—like tin whistles and accordions—with the brash power of punk rock. The result was a new genre: Celtic punk. Their blend of Irish melody and punk energy was unlike anything before
3. Shane MacGowan—Poet, Punk, Legend
Frontman Shane MacGowan stood out with his raspy voice and gritty lyrics full of wit and heartbreak. A poet at heart, he channeled themes of diaspora and struggle that resonated deeply. His influence helped redefine how folk music could feel fresh and raw
4. Iconic Christmas Hit with a Twist
Their 1987 track “Fairytale of New York”—a duet featuring Shane and Kirsty MacColl—has become arguably the most beloved unconventional Christmas song every year. It never hit #1 in the UK, yet it keeps re-entering the Top 20 and has sold over a million copies
5. That Choir in the Chorus? Fake!
In the “Fairytale of New York” chorus, they sing about the NYPD Choir—but that choir doesn’t exist! The NYPD’s Pipes and Drums band faked it on camera, mouthing a funny lip sync of the Mickey Mouse March
6. Elvis Costello Took the Helm for Their Second Album
Their 1985 album Rum, Sodomy & the Lash was produced by Elvis Costello. It’s now hailed as genre-defining, blending raucous energy with bold folk storytelling—and cemented the band’s place in music history
7. They Fired Shane (Temporarily)
In 1991, Shane’s drug and alcohol struggles became too disruptive for live performances, and he was dismissed from the band. After a series of vocal replacements, they reunited with him in 2001 for reunion tours—though no new studio albums were recorded
8. Joe Strummer Stepped In
After Shane was fired, none other than Joe Strummer of The Clash filled in briefly as frontman. Later, Spider Stacy took over vocals—proof that their punk roots ran deep
9. Shane’s Funeral Drew an Irish Rock Royalty Roll Call
When Shane passed away in 2023, mourners included Jonny Depp as a pallbearer, while artists like Nick Cave and Glen Hansard performed at his funeral. It underscored the reach and reverence his music had inspired
10. Rum Sodomy Turns 40—They’re Touring Again!
Original members Jem Finer and Spider Stacy are commemorating the 40th anniversary of their watershed album Rum, Sodomy and the Lash with a global tour featuring guest artists. The legacy continues, loud and proud