The Pogues are known as one of the most radical punk groups of the 80’s. Founded by Shane MacGowan in 1982 with Peter, Spider, Stacy and Jim Fearnley. They originally called themselves Pogue Mohone, an Irish phrase meaning “kiss my ass.” They then added Jem Finer, Andrew David Ranken, and Cait O’Riordan to complete the group. They shortened their name to just the Pogues and released their first single “Dark Streets of London” in 1984. From there they amounted a large amount of success in both the U.K. and the United States, went through many lineup changes and the lead singer of the band, MacGowan, fell head first into a drug and alcohol problem that proved to be the band’s undoing. MacGowan was asked to leave the band in 91, and the Pogues that remained disbanded in 1996. The entire group including MacGowan reunited in 2001 for a short tour, and they continued to make appearances together into the mid-2000’s. Recently they released a 30th anniversary live concert album, and a 30 year box set that spans their career together.
If you are more interested in MacGowan’s drug and alcohol addiction, and the further stresses that come from being famous click here.