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The Pogues Announce Death of Founding Drummer Andrew Ranken at 72

The band called him its 'heartbeat' in a statement that did not specify a cause of death.

Overview

  • Ranken died on Tuesday, February 10, with the news confirmed publicly by the group on Wednesday.
  • No cause was disclosed, though outlets note he had long‑term health issues including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • Nicknamed “The Clobberer,” he joined in 1983, played on all classic-era albums, and returned for the 2001–2014 reunion, contributing drums, percussion, harmonica and occasional vocals.
  • The drummer missed the recent 40th‑anniversary shows due to ill health, with Fontaines D.C. drummer Tom Coll filling in.
  • The statement announcing his death was signed by Spider Stacy, James Fearnley and Jem Finer, and tributes from bandmates, peers and fans have continued throughout the day.