Andrew Ranken, the founding drummer of The Pogues, has died at the age of 72, the band confirmed this afternoon.
His former bandmates described him as the “heartbeat” of the celebrated Irish punk group in an emotional statement released on social media.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues,” the band wrote.
“Andrew, thank you for everything, for your friendship, your wit and your generosity of spirit, and of course for the music, forever a true friend and brother.”
Andrew Ranken was the founding member of The Pogues
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Beyond his drumming duties, Mr Ranken also contributed percussion, harmonica and vocals throughout the band’s classic periods.
Mr Ranken became part of The Pogues’ original lineup in 1983 and remained with the group until 1996, appearing on every official studio recording from their 1984 debut Red Roses for Me through to Pogue Mahone.
He first encountered future bandmates Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer in their familiar Kings Cross haunts, where they invited him to join their fledgling project.
Initially, Mr Ranken turned down the opportunity as he was committed to fronting another outfit called The Operation, but he subsequently changed his mind and took up the drum stool permanently.
Mr Ranken returned for their reunion era from 2001 until 2014
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Following the band’s mid-nineties dissolution, he returned for their reunion era from 2001 until 2014.
Mr Ranken had battled ill health for a number of years, suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a condition affecting the lungs that causes breathing difficulties.
In 2023, he recorded a charity single to raise funds for St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney, east London, drawing on his personal experience of respiratory illness.
His health problems meant he was unable to participate in The Pogues’ most recent concert dates, with Fontaines D.C.’s Tom Cull stepping in behind the kit in his absence.
Andrew Ranken battled ill health for a number of years
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A cause of death has not yet been disclosed by the family or the band.
The Pogues achieved their artistic zenith with 1985’s Rum, Sodomy & the Lash and reached their greatest commercial success with 1988’s If I Should Fall from Grace with God, which featured the perennial Christmas favourite Fairytale of New York alongside the late Kirsty MacColl.
Mr Ranken’s death follows that of frontman Shane MacGowan, who passed away in November 2023 aged 65.
Last year, surviving members Spider Stacy, James Fearnley and Jem Finer embarked on their first tour in over a decade to mark the 40th anniversary of Rum, Sodomy & the Lash.
Mr Ranken also contributed percussion, harmonica and vocals to the band
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MacGowan’s sister Siobhan paid tribute, calling Mr Ranken “an unbelievably talented and unique drummer” and “a band brother.”
