MacGowan left €10k for free beer at his VIP wake
In the realm of music legends, few figures shine as brightly as Shane MacGowan, the iconic frontman of The Pogues. As the music world mourned his passing on November 30th at the age of 65, his farewell became not just a sombre event but a vibrant celebration of life as MacGowan left €10k for his pals to enjoy the beer at his VIP wake. From heartfelt tributes to an extraordinary VIP wake, Shane MacGowan’s farewell was a musical odyssey that echoed his larger-than-life persona.
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The funeral, held at St. Mary’s of the Rosary Church on December 8th, was a star-studded affair. Renowned musicians such as Nick Cave paid tribute to the punk poet, emphasising the profound impact Shane MacGowan had on the music industry. Eulogies from Shane’s sister, Siobhan, and his wife, Victoria, added a personal touch to the proceedings, creating a poignant atmosphere filled with love and remembrance.
MacGowan left €10k with a last request
The Thatched Cottage, a picturesque pub three miles outside of Nenagh, played host to an exclusive VIP invite-only wake. This intimate gathering brought together close friends, fellow musicians, and admirers, including Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie, Hollywood A-lister Johnny Depp, and MacGowan’s Pogues bandmates. However, what set this wake apart was Shane MacGowan’s extraordinary gesture.
Shane, known for his love of a good time, had a final request that spoke volumes about his spirit. MacGowan left €10k behind the bar for free beer. This generous act ensured that his friends could raise a glass in his honour, creating an atmosphere of celebration rather than mourning. It was a fitting tribute to a man who always knew how to infuse joy into any moment.
The Celebration of Life
The wake, commencing at 6 pm and extending until dawn, transformed into a lively celebration of Shane MacGowan’s life. The limited guest list added an exclusive touch, creating an intimate environment where friends and family could share stories, laughter, and music. As MacGowan left €10k for setting a table bar at his wake for his friends and family, It was a testament to Shane’s wild spirit and his love for a good party.
Glen Hansard, a singer-songwriter, took the stage to perform “Fairytale of New York,” one of The Pogues’ most iconic tracks. The song, a Christmas classic, served as a poignant tribute to MacGowan’s musical legacy. Earlier in the day, Hansard, along with Lisa O’Neill and friends, had delivered the same song at Shane MacGowan’s Funeral at St. Mary’s of the Rosary Church, creating a musical thread that connected both events.
Star-Studded Attendance
The VIP wake saw a gathering of famous faces, each adding their unique touch to the celebration. Johnny Depp, a long-time friend of the late musician, delivered a heartfelt reading, infusing a touch of Hollywood glamour into the proceedings. The presence of Bobby Gillespie and Pogues bandmates added a sense of camaraderie, highlighting the deep connections formed through music.
In the aftermath of the event, Shane MacGowan’s wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, took to social media to express her gratitude. She particularly thanked Johnny Depp for his unwavering support, acknowledging his strength, respect, compassion, and loyalty during this challenging time. The shared moments and images painted a picture of a community coming together to remember and honour a musical icon.
As the music world bid farewell to Shane MacGowan, his extraordinary wake stood as a testament to his indomitable spirit and enduring legacy as a true punk poet. The free-flowing beer, heartfelt performances, and intimate moments shared among close friends and family made it a celebration of life that Shane MacGowan himself would undoubtedly have approved of and appreciated.
