Tributes to 'trailblazer' MacGowan at musical funeral

Musical tributes poured in for the late Shane MacGowan, the legendary frontman of The Pogues, at his funeral in Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland, yesterday. MacGowan, who died last week at the age of 65, was remembered as a "poet, lyricist, singer, and trailblazer" by those who knew and loved him.

President Michael D. Higgins was among the mourners, along with Hollywood actor Johnny Depp and U2 frontman Bono. Many of MacGowan's best-known songs were played during the service, including a rendition of "A Rainy Night in Soho" by Australian singer Nick Cave.

MacGowan's widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, described him as "a genius and a beautiful soul." She said that he was "a brilliant artist" who "reinvented Irish music."

His sister, Siobhan MacGowan, said that he "lit a fire that burns in Ireland and across the world." She added that he was "a true original" who "will never be forgotten."

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MacGowan's former bandmates from The Pogues sang "The Parting Glass" towards the end of the service. The song was a fitting tribute to a man who was known for his love of life and his wild, carefree spirit.

MacGowan was a complex and controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was a talented musician who made a significant impact on Irish music. His songs will continue to be enjoyed by fans for generations to come.

Here are some of the tributes that were paid to MacGowan at his funeral:

• President Michael D. Higgins: "Shane MacGowan was a poet, lyricist, singer, trailblazer. He reflected life as lived in our time, calling out accepted norms that oftentimes appear unacceptable."
• Johnny Depp: "Shane was a poet, a songwriter, a singer, a rebel, a dreamer, a fighter, a lover. He was a true original, a force of nature, and one of the greatest artists I have ever had the privilege of knowing and calling a friend."
• Bono: "Shane MacGowan was a true original, a genius with a heart of gold. He was a poet, a singer, a songwriter, and a storyteller who changed the face of Irish music. He will be deeply missed."
• Nick Cave: "Shane MacGowan was a one-off, a true original. He was a poet, a singer, a songwriter, and a performer who was unlike anyone else. He will be deeply missed."
• Victoria Mary Clarke: "Shane was a genius and a beautiful soul. He was a brilliant artist who reinvented Irish music. He was also a kind and loving husband, and I will miss him dearly."
• Siobhan MacGowan: "Shane lit a fire that burns in Ireland and across the world. He was a true original, a poet, a singer, a songwriter, and a performer who will never be forgotten."

MacGowan may be gone, but his music will live on. He was a true pioneer who inspired countless musicians and artists. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.