Vale Shane McGowan

 Strangely moved to learn that Shane McGowan, the lead singer of the Pogues has died at the age of 65.

I saw the Pogues play live in Coventry at the then polytechnic, in either 1985 or 86, at a time when they were still more punk than folk and before they became mainstream.

I remember the performance was enlivened by Shane McGowan keeping time by banging what looked to be a tin plate on his head. I also remember thinking that he wouldn't make old bones.

Slightly surprised to find he made 65 though saddened by his death.