Rosario Monachino
Shane MacGowan’s wife has issued an update on his illness following his admission to hospital.
The Pogues were an English and Irish Celtic punk band who had hit tracks such as ‘Dirty Old Town’, ‘Love You ‘Till the End’ and ‘The Irish Rover’.
But everyone will best know the group for their Christmas classic ‘Fairytale of New York’ – which was voted the most popular Christmas song in the UK, as per The Guardian.
The track, which was released in 1987, features the late Kirsty MacColl and The Pogues’ frontman, McGowan, taking turns singing as a couple who are going through tough times.
It has been reported (via Sky News) that McGowan, 65, has been in intensive care for the past few months and now his wife, Irish journalist Victoria Mary Clarke, 57, has provided an update on his condition.
Related Article: Home And Away Star Johnny Ruffo Has Died Aged 35
Related Article: Shania Twain’s Tour Bus In Horror Crash As Passengers Rushed To Hospital
Last year, MacGowan was diagnosed with viral encephalitis, an ‘uncommon but serious condition in which the brain becomes inflamed’, as per the NHS.
This can be caused due to a number of factors, including bacterial infections, issues with your immune system and viral infections – such as chickenpox and cold sores – spreading to the brain.
While some people do make a full recovery, others are left with long-term problems caused by damage to their brain – with Johns Hopkins Medicine stating that encephalitis still leads to death in around 10% of patients.
Fortunately for MacGowan, his wife has shared that he is feeling much better and is hoping he will be out of intensive care in time for Christmas.
Posting on X (formerly known as Twitter), she wrote: “Shane is feeling much better today! I am so grateful to everyone who is willing him to get home for Christmas!”
Shane is feeling much better today! I am so grateful to everyone who is willing him to get home for the Christmas! @ShaneMacGowan @poguesofficial @EtainsDream pic.twitter.com/7x3heVEvTZ
— @victoriamary (@Victoriamary) November 17, 2023
Fans have taken to the comments to react to the news, with one person penning: “I hope and pray Shane gets home for Christmas. His music and lyrics have given joy to so many.”
Someone else adds: “So happy for Shane that he is feeling much better today, sending Prayers and love to you both that Shane will continue to get better and be home with you for Christmas.”
A third fan says: “Great to hear he is getting better. I’ll keep sending prayers and positive vibes to you all.”
“So glad he’s feeling much better today. Hopefully, he will be home for Christmas,” writes a fourth.
Another person comments: “Wishing him a speedy recovery. And for both of you to have a Happy Christmas.”
View this post on Instagram
MacGowan and his wife tied the knot in 2018 after being together for 32 years.
They married at a ceremony in Copenhagen and Johnny Depp even performed as their wedding guitarist.
MacGowan has faced a number of health issues over the years and since breaking his pelvis while leaving a studio in Dublin in 2015, he’s been using a wheelchair.
Related Article: Sylvester Stallone Speaks Out About Tragic Death Of Son Sage
Related Article: Bruce Willis Is No Longer ‘Totally Verbal’ As Friend Shares Sad Health Update
Recalling the accident in an interview with Vice, MacGowan explained: “It was a fall and I fell the wrong way.
“I broke my pelvis, which is the worst thing you can do. I’m lame in one leg, I can’t walk around the room without a crutch.”
Then in 2021, MacGowan fell in his home and broke his knee – just after he recovered from a torn ligament.
Do you have a story for us? If so, email us at [email protected]. All contact will be treated in confidence.
