The Pogues drummer Andrew Ranken dies at age 72

The Pogues drummer Andrew Ranken has died. He was 72.

The British Celtic punk band confirmed Ranken passed away Tuesday.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues,” the group wrote in an Instagram statement on Wednesday.

“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 band continued.

“Our thoughts and love are with his family at this sad and difficult time,” the message added.

The statement was signed by the band’s current members Spider Stacy, James Fearnley and Jem Finer.

Ranken’s cause of death has not been confirmed.

According to Rolling Stone, the drummer was ill for years and had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

Siobhan MacGowan, sister of the Pogues’ late frontman Shane MacGowan, paid tribute to Ranken on X.

Andrew was such an important part of the story. A band brother and unbelievably talented and unique drummer. May he rest in peace,” Siobbhan wrote.

Ranken, nicknamed “The Clobberer,” joined the Pogues in March 1983, one year after the band formed in King’s Cross, London.

He was asked to be in the band by MacGowan and Finer, 70. He initially declined the invite to due being the lead singer of The Operation, but later changed his mind and replaced Pogues drummer John Hasler.

Ranken was with the Pogues until their breakup in 1996 following the failure of their seventh and final studio album, “Pogue Mahne.”

The band reformed in 2001, with Ranken playing drums, percussion and harmonica and providing vocals. The group toured across the world for the next decade until breaking up again in 2014 following longtime guitarist Phillip Chevron’s death.

In 2024, Finer, Stacy, 67, and Fearnley, 71, reformed the Pogues for more tour dates.