Iconic punk rock drummer Andrew Ranken, who was a member of the London-based Celtic punk band The Pogues, died on Tuesday, February 10, the band announced in an social media statement. He was 72.
The Pogues members Ranken left behind honored him with an Instagram post which they captioned, “Andrew ‘The Clobberer’ Ranken 13 November 1953 – 10 February 2026. 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.” They signed the statement, “Jem, James & Spider.”
The loss comes less than 7 months after the death of fellow punk rock icon Jock McDonald, who was involved in a fatal swimming accident at 69.
Fans Fondly Remember Andrew Ranken of The Pogues
Fans flooded the post announcing Ranken’s death loving comments and fond remembrances. One wrote, “Such very sad news. I have so many marvelous memories of Andrew, not least his beautiful singing of Danny Boy in a quiet bar in New Orleans. A wonderful man and a wonderful talent. RIP Andrew.”
Another chimed in, “Thinking of the many who loved him, sorry for your tragic loss.”
Someone else called Ranken “a beautiful human,” “total gentleman,” and “an absolutely legendary drummer” before declaring the star was “very much loved” by late bandmate Shane MacGowan and saying “I have no doubt that he will be warmly welcomed by Shane but he will be very much missed here on earth.”
Fellow musician Fiachna Ó Braonáin wrote, “Ah so sorry to hear about Andrew’s passing…always enjoyed whenever our paths crossed.”
Ranken’s Bandmate Shane MacGowan Died Over 2 Years Earlier
Ranken’s fellow member of The Pogues, Shane McGowan, preceded him in death. The musician died in November 2023 at age 65. The BBC reported he had recently left a hospital in Dublin, Ireland, after a diagnosis of encephalitis, and his wife Victoria Mary Clarke later revealed pneumonia was involved.
MacGowan’s Instagram account continues to be active, and a statement about Ranken’s death appeared on the page Wednesday morning which read:
“Last night after his long and brave battle with illness we lost our dear friend, Shane’s bandmate Andrew ‘the Clobberer’ Ranken. Andy was a fierce drummer and founding member of the Pogues, having joined Poguemahone in 1983 and braving all the beer-swilling, pogo-jumping, underground illegal drinking joints the fledgling band played and developing his own unique style of a warrior drumbeat. Without him the Pogues could never have developed their battle-ready rhythm and sound. He truly was the heartBEAT of the band. He remained a true and loyal friend through all of his life. We will miss him and we are thinking today of his family and sending them all our love. May his gentle soul Rest in Peace.”
