Andrew Ranken, drummer and founder of the Pogues, has died

Andrew Ranken, drummer and founding member of the Pogues, a decisive figure in building the sound and identity of the London group founded in 1982, has died at the age of 72. The news was spread by the band through its social channels, where Ranken was remembered as “drummer, founding member and beating heart of the Pogues”, as well as “true friend and brother forever”.
In the message, signed by Spider Stacy, Jem Finer and James Fearnley, a portrait emerges that holds together artistic dimension and human connection: gratitude for the friendship, for the witty and generous spirit, “and of course for the music”. A recognition that reaffirms Ranken's specific weight in the band's trajectory, between stages, studio and internal dynamics.
Even the historical entourage of the group wanted to pay homage to him. Siobhán MacGowan, sister of Shane MacGowan, the frontman who passed away in 2023,
he called him “a fundamental part of the story”, highlighting his talent and uniqueness on the drums. Victoria Mary Clarke, the singer's widow, remembered him as “a true gentleman” and “an absolutely legendary drummer”, adding that he will be deeply missed.

Born in 1953 in Ladbroke Grove, London, Ranken began playing the drums at 14, moving into the lively music scene of the British capital with bands such as Lola Cobra, The Stickers and The Operation. In 1983 he was involved in the project that would take shape as The Pogues, contributing from the beginning to the definition of that hybrid language that united punk rock and Irish tradition, later labeled as Celtic punk.
Ranken participated in all of the group's albums and is credited as the creator of the title of “Rum Sodomy & The Lash”, the 1985 album that consolidated the band's international reputation. He later explained that that name “seemed to sum up life in our band”, an effective synthesis of the rough and ironic spirit that ran through the project.
His drummingenergetic and recognisable, was a structural element in the Pogues' sound during the 1980s, helping to build a musical identity that left its mark on the British landscape and beyond. Last year the group reunited for a tour celebrating the fortieth anniversary of “Rum Sodomy & The Lash”, without his participation.
In recent years Ranken had become active again with The Mysterious Wheels, with whom in 2023 he released the charity single “Take Me Down to St Joe's”, in support of St Joseph's Hospice in Hackney. A discreet but constant presence, up to the latest projects.