The Pogues are perhaps the only band of their genre to have ‘made it’ in the mainstream pop charts. Since their formation in London in 1982, they have played a mixture of traditional Irish music, punk rock, jazz, folk and pop. Songs such as ‘Fiesta’, ‘Irish Rover’ and the seminal Christmas song ‘Fairytale of New York’ (featuring Kirsty MacColl) made a lasting influence on the British music scene and cemented The Pogues legendary status. Led by alcohol enthusiast Shane MacGowan, the band often featured up to eight members on stage, playing instruments such as tin whistle, accordion, banjo, mandolin and hurdy-gurdy. The band reformed in 2004 after a split in 1996 and played several dates around the country. They are still touring today. Picture from David MacMahon.
