The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan remembered as 'lyrical genius' following death

The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan has been remembered as a 'lyrical genius' after his death aged 65. Famous faces from the world of music have paid tribute to the singer, who died 'peacefully' on Thursday (November 30) with his wife and family by his side, a statement from his relatives said.

The Irish singer, best known for hit festive song Fairytale Of New York, revealed he was diagnosed with encephalitis last year in a video posted to social media on New Year’s Eve. He was discharged last week from St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin ahead of his 66th birthday on Christmas Day.

Among the stars to pay tribute to MacGowan was former bandmate Spider Stacy, who shared a black and white photo of the singer performing on stage, writing: “O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done..”

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Singer Billy Bragg hailed the Irish star as “one of the greatest songwriters of my generation”, adding: “The Pogues reinvigorated folk music in the early 80s and his songs put the focus onto lyric writing, opening doors for the likes of myself and others.”

The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess praised the Irish singer-songwriter as a "lyrical genius” and an “inspiration” to many up-and-coming artists.

“I followed The Pogues to far-flung places, met Shane a few times and watched some of the most exhilarating shows I’ve ever witnessed,” he said.

Music producer Jack Antonoff, who has worked with global artists including Taylor Swift and The 1975, said MacGowan made him “feel something” through his work that nobody else could.

He posted to social media site X: “His way is something I feel