The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan should return home for Christmas after hospitalisation

Virgin Radio

13 Dec 2022, 17:25

The Irish singer has been fighting an infection for over a week.

The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan was admitted to hospital last Monday (5th December).

His wife Victoria Mary Clarke has been updating fans on his health via Twitter.

Her latest tweet features a photo of MacGowan smiling in his hospital bed, with the caption: “Fingers crossed @ShaneMacGowan will be home tomorrow!”

This is welcome news for Clarke, who hoped that the 64-year-old would be able to leave the hospital “asap” last week.

If MacGowan is discharged tomorrow, he will be home for Christmas Day, which is also his 65th birthday.

Supportive messages from fans have been flooding in, with one fan commenting: “Fab news - wishing you well, Shane.”

Another said: “That is the best news I have heard today! Fingers crossed!!!”

Clarke, who married The Pogues frontman in 2018, expressed her gratitude for all the love and support. She said: “I just wanted to thank everyone who has been sending good wishes for @ShaneMacGowan, he is being treated for an infection and the doctors are confident that he will be ok. I am just incredibly grateful to them and to all of you.”

The musician has been struggling with injuries and illnesses since he broke his pelvis in 2015. He then broke his right knee after a fall on his Zimmer frame. Shortly after this, MacGowan fell again, tearing ligaments in his left knee. The ‘Fairytale of New York’ singer has been in a wheelchair since and has a carer at his home in Dublin.

Speaking to The Guardian back in April, Clarke explained the mental and physical struggles MacGowan has faced, including a life-long battle with depression.

Since meeting him in 1982, she has admired his strength and perseverance. “Shane never seems to want not to live.”

MacGowan is best known as the frontman of The Pogues, who formed in 1982. They originally split up in 1991 before returning in 2001. The band separated again in 2014.

Virgin Radio would like to wish Shane and his family well.