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Andrew Ranken, the classic drummer of The Pogues, has died at age 72. While no cause of death was given, Rolling Stone UK reports that Ranken was in ill health in recent years and had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The drummer’s passing was announced on The Pogues’ official Instagram page, with the UK band’s surviving founding members Jem Finer, James Fearnley, and Spider Stacy issuing the following statement:
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues. Andrew, thank you for everything, for your friendship, your wit and your generosity of spirit, and of course for the music, forever a true friend and brother. Our thoughts and love are with his family at this sad and difficult time. Jem, James & Spider.”
While he is referred to as the band’s founding drummer in the statement above, Ranken replaced short-lived original drummer John Hasler in 1983, one year after the Celtic punk band formed. He played on all seven of their studio albums, released between 1984 and 1996.
After the band’s breakup in 1996, he formed The Vendettas with fellow Pogues members Spider Stacy and Darryl Hunt. He then rejoined the Pogues when they reunited in 2001, and remained with the band until 2014. He was not part of the Pogues’ latest reunion, which started in 2024.
In addition to drums, Ranked played harmonica and sang occasional lead vocals with The Pogues. He was preceded in death by fellow classic members Shane MacGowan (2023), Darryl Hunt (2022), and Philip Chevron (2013).
Our condolences go out to Andrew Ranken’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. See video of Ranken playing drums on “Fairytale of New York” and singing lead vocals on “Star of the Country Down” during a pair of Pogues’ 30th anniversary concerts in 2012 below.
English (US) · 