Fans and Bandmates Mourn the Loss of Pogues Drummer Andrew Ranken, Dead at 72

Andrew Ranken, founding member and drummer of Celtic punk group The Pogues passed away on February 10, 2026. Fans and bandmates took to social media expressing condolences, and The Pogues posted a tribute on X to the one they called “The Clobberer.”

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member of The Pogues, and the heartbeat of The Pogues. Andrew, thank you for everything. For your friendship, your wit, and of course, the music, forever a true friend and brother. Our thoughts and love are with his family at this sad and difficult time.”

Forming The Pogues

Ranken helped form The Pogues in 1983. Hailing from King’s Cross, London, the group blended traditional Irish music with punk rock. This further expanded punk rock capabilities and inspired decades of Celtic punk groups. Their popular songs include the Christmas duet “The Fairytale of New York,” “A Rainy Day in Soho,” “Sally MacLennane,” and “Dirty Old Town.” Ranken played with the band from the beginning in 1983 until their breakup in 1996.

The band reunited in 2001, where Ranken now added harmonica and vocals to the group, in addition to returning to the drums. Ranken stayed with the group until 2014, when they lost longtime guitarist Philip Chevron. The band has since been riddled with loss, as bass player Darryl Hunt died in 2022, and lead singer Shane MacGowan passed in 2023.

The Pogues Legacy Lives On

The band currently has three members, and although the future of the group is uncertain, their legacy lives on. Fans took to social media with statements such as “The world is running out of Pogues, and that’s very sad. RIP.”

Another fan commented, “He was such a musical force, and from what I’ve read, quite the stand-up guy.”

It’s truly sad to see musicians from the greatest decades of music pass away, one after another. But their contributions to music will continue to live on, long after we’re all gone.