Shane MacGowan of The Pogues has been hospitalized, following recent health issues over the past several years.
“Please send prayers and healing vibes,” wrote MacGowan’s wife Victoria May Clarke in a Twitter post on Dec. 5. “[Shane MacGowan] in hospital again and really hoping to get out asap.”
Videos by American Songwriter
Clarke elaborated on her husband’s condition saying that he was admitted into the hospital on Dec. 2 and that she’s hopeful he will be discharged within a few days.
“I’m definitely hoping he gets out this week,” said Clarke in an interview with The Irish Mirror. “He’s a bit frustrated, I think. He finds it very frustrating. He wants to get out.” Clarke, 56, and MacGowan, now 64, have been married since 2018, but they have been a couple for decades. They first met in a London pub when Clarke was 17.
When asked about his condition, Clarke added, “Please don’t get too worried. I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
Having struggled with drug addiction and alcoholism throughout his life, MacGowan’s health issues were exasperated in 2015 when he fractured his pelvis in a fall. The singer has suffered mobility issues since the accident and has been confined to a wheelchair, making it difficult for him to write, record, or perform.
“I’m not a morning person, but I am glad to be alive,” said MacGowan in a 2022 interview. “So I’m grateful to wake up. I have beautiful carers who come and get me out of the bed and into the lime green chair.”
MacGowan fronted The Pogues from 1982 through 1991 and later reunited with the band to tour between 2001 and 2014. The Pogues’ fifth album, Hell’s Ditch, was the last one to feature MacGowan. The band released their seventh and final album together, Pogue Malone, in 1996, their second album featuring vocalist Spider Stacy.
On Aug. 8, 2022, longtime Pogues bassist and songwriter Darryl Hunt died at the age of 72.
Photo: Universal Publishing Group
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
BEIJING – AUGUST 08: British singer Sarah Brightman and Chinese singer Liu Huan perform during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images) -
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (NOT TO BE LICENSED FOR ANY STANDALONE OR SPECIAL INTEREST BOOK PUBLISHING USE CONCERNING THE COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL AND/OR STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL) Wynonna Judd is seen at Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse during the 2026 Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2026 in Indio, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Stagecoach) -
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 08: Producer Manuel Seal arrives at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on February 8, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images) -
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Kenny Chesney performs on NBC's "Today" Citi Concert Series at Rockefeller Plaza on September 17, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Valerie Terranova/Getty Images) -
19th May 1967: The Beatles (left to right) Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison (1943 – 2001) and John Lennon (1940 – 1980) at a photocall for the launch of their new album 'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', held at Brian Epstein's house at 24 Chapel Street, London. Lennon is wearing an afghan jacket and a sporran. (Photo by John Downing/Getty Images) -
TWIN LAKES, WISCONSIN – JULY 18: Dasha performs at Country Thunder Wisconsin at Shadow Hill Ranch on July 18, 2026 in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. (Photo by Joshua Applegate/Getty Images) -
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 27: Charles Kelley performs at EXIT/IN on August 27, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) -
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 17: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Kacey Musgraves performs onstage during the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)