The Pogues drummer Andrew Ranken dead at 72

Andrew Ranken, former drummer for The Pogues, has died at age 72.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues,” the “Fairytale of New York” outfit writes in an Instagram post published Wednesday.

Ranken, known by his nickname “The Clobberer,” joined The Pogues in 1983, and played on every one of the band’s seven studio albums. After the group’s breakup in 1996, he rejoined The Pogues in 2001 upon their reunion, which lasted until 2014.

“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,” The Pogues’ post reads. “Our thoughts and love are with his family at this sad and difficult time.”

Original Pogues members Spider Stacy, Jem Finer and James Fearnley reunited in 2024 following the death of frontman Shane MacGowan in 2023. They launched the first U.S. Pogues tour in 13 years in September.