The passing of Andrew Ranken, founding drummer of The Pogues, marks the end of an era for Celtic folk-punk music and reminds us that authentic artistry built on hard work and raw talent transcends fleeting cultural fads.

A Working-Class Musical Foundation

Andrew Ranken was born in 1953 in Ladbroke Grove, London, and began drumming at age 14 with the band Lola Cobra. His early years reflected the grit and determination of working-class Britain, where young musicians honed their craft in small venues, before the manufactured celebrity machinery that dominates today’s music industry.

Ranken played in several bands, including The Stickers and The Operation, before neighbors Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer invited him to join their new project in 1983. This neighborly recruitment exemplifies the organic, community-based relationships that built genuine musical movements rather than corporate-engineered pop acts.

The Heartbeat of The Pogues

Ranken joined The Pogues as the band’s founding drummer in 1983, anchoring its explosive fusion of Irish folk traditions and punk rock energy. From 1984’s “Red Roses for Me” through 1996’s “Pogue Mahone,” he played on every album during the band’s golden era, providing the rhythmic foundation for classics including “Fairytale of New York,” the Christmas anthem that remains a cultural touchstone. His contributions extended beyond percussion—he played harmonica, provided vocals, wrote tracks for “Waiting for Herb” and “Pogue Mahone,” and suggested the memorable title “Rum Sodomy & The Lash” for the band’s 1985 album. This multifaceted creativity demonstrates the artistic depth often missing in today’s shallow, overproduced music landscape.

Perseverance Through Turbulence and Illness

The Pogues faced internal turbulence throughout the 1990s, including Shane MacGowan’s 1991 firing due to addiction struggles and various lineup changes. Ranken departed in 1996 during this chaotic period but remained committed to the band’s legacy, rejoining from 2001 to 2014 for reunion tours that brought their music to new generations.

In recent years, he battled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a serious respiratory condition often linked to lifestyle factors and environmental exposures. Despite declining health, Ranken channeled his energy into charitable work, releasing a 2023 single with The Mysterious Wheels to benefit St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney during his own COPD rehabilitation. This selfless dedication to helping others while facing personal health challenges embodies the traditional values of service and community that built strong societies.

Legacy of Authentic Artistry

The Pogues announced Ranken’s death on February 11, 2026, via social media, stating, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues… forever a true friend and brother.” Tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians, celebrating his friendship, wit, generosity of spirit, and musical contributions.

Ranken’s passing, following MacGowan’s 2023 death, closes the book on The Pogues’ original lineup. Unlike today’s manufactured celebrities who achieve fame through algorithms and identity politics rather than talent, Ranken represented genuine musicianship forged through decades of dedication. His story reminds us that lasting cultural impact comes from hard work, creative collaboration, and staying true to one’s roots—principles increasingly abandoned in an era obsessed with shallow virtue signaling over substance.

R.I.P. Andrew Ranken, "the heartbeat of the Pogues" https://t.co/RBxcb6xxo8

— Exclaim! (@exclaimdotca) February 11, 2026

The short-term impact includes renewed interest in The Pogues’ catalog, particularly “Fairytale of New York,” and reflections on the folk-punk era they pioneered. Long-term, Ranken’s legacy cements The Pogues’ place in music history as authentic artists who blended cultural heritage with rebellious energy, creating timeless work that transcends political correctness and cultural trends. His charitable efforts for hospice care may inspire similar initiatives to support COPD research and end-of-life dignity, causes that reflect traditional values of compassion and community responsibility rather than government dependency.

Sources:

The Pogues drummer Andrew Ranken dies aged 72 as band pay tribute to ‘heartbeat’ of group – GB News

Tributes paid to The Pogues’ Andrew Ranken, who has died aged 72 – Hotpress

The Pogues Drummer Andrew Ranken Dead at 72 – Exclaim!