I would never proclaim to be a big Pogues fan, but I appreciate the impact and contribution Shane and company made to Celtic, folk, punk, and music, all around.

Shane Macgowan, would have celebrated his 66th birthday this past Monday, though he passed on last month after receiving treatment for an infection, and subsequently dying from pneumonia at home in Dublin on November 30th.

Shane was born on Christmas in Kent, England, while his parents were on holiday, and he was raised in County Tipperary (Up Tipp), until the age of six before moving to England. He was precocious with an addictive personality and became well known in the London punk scene early on. A natural poet who co-founded The Pogues and bridged a gap between punk rock and the traditional music of his heritage, and no stranger to trouble through the bulk of his career.

“Fairytale of New York” hit number one this month in Ireland, the first time since it’s release 36 years ago. A great song, no doubt, although the song I like the most has a different connection.

About a decade ago, I was leafing through a black book, I’m not sure whose book it even was at this point, but there was a page with one of my favorite graffiti writers of all time, who I have mentioned in another post, who also happens to be from northeast Queens. DEAD DBI.

I was admiring his work and on one page in particular, there was a phrase written beneath the piece, which I assumed to be lyrics, but like I said I don’t know The Pogues like that, so I didn’t recognize the words. Tombstones against the sky. It was cool enough to do a little digging.

The song was “Tombstone” off of 1989’s Peace and Love album. Immediately I was taken to it’s somber vibe, like something from a post-apocalyptic western soundtrack, or a Cormac McCarthy novel. The song is sad and beautiful, and to my taste. It’s a short one so put it on repeat.

Farewell, Mr. Macgowan and respect to DEAD.