Shane MacGowan’s devastated family break silence after star’s death as wife pays tribute to ‘beautiful angel’

SHANE MacGowan’s devastated family have paid tribute to the beloved Pogues frontman who’s died aged 65.

Shane’s heartbroken wife Victoria Mary Clarke, his sister Siobhan and father Maurice confirmed the singer died at 3am after being given the last rites.

They said: “It is with the deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Shane MacGowan.

“Shane died peacefully at 3am this morning with his wife Victoria and family by his side.

“Prayers and the last rites were read which gave comfort to his family.

“He is survived by his wife Victoria, his sister Siobhan and his father Maurice, family and a large circle of friends.

“Further details will be announced shortly but the family ask for privacy at this very sad time.”

The singer had been receiving care in St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin for an infection but was discharged last week ahead of his upcoming birthday on Christmas Day.

From the 1980s, he lead the Irish punk band who are best known for their hit festive song Fairytale Of New York which was released in 1987.

And confirming his tragic death today, Victoria Mary wrote on Instagram: “I don’t know how to say this so I am just going to say it.

“Shane who will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life and the most beautiful soul and beautiful angel and the sun and the moon and the start and end of everything that I hold dear has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese.

“I am blessed beyond words to have met him and to have loved him and to have been so endlessly and unconditionally loved by him and to have had so many years of life and love and joy and fun and laughter and so many adventures.

“There’s no way to describe the loss that I am feeling and the longing for just one more of his smiles that lit up my world.

“Thank you thank you thank you thank you for your presence in this world you made it so very bright and you gave so much joy to so many people with your heart and soul and your music.

“You will live in my heart forever. Rave on in the garden all wet with rain that you loved so much. You meant the world to me.”

It comes as…

• Legendary singer Shane MacGowan has died age 65
•  The rock wildman defied critics who said he had ‘death wish’
•  Last ever pic of the Pogues icon revealed