Andrew Ranken: Tributes paid to The Pogues drummer lovingly dubbed 'The Clobberer' after his death aged 72
Andrew Ranken, the drummer and founding member of The Pogues, has died at the age of 72.
His death was confirmed by the band in a post on social media. They said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues.
“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. Our thoughts and love are with his family at this sad and difficult time.”
A cause of death has not been confirmed. Ranken did suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Ranken was an early member of the British-Irish punk group, joining the original line-up of The Pogues alongside Shane MacGowan, Spider Stacy, Cait O’Riordan, Jem Finer, and James Fearnley in 1983.
He performed with the band until 1996, and returned to the drum kit from 2001 until 2014. He was nicknamed ‘The Clobberer’ as he became known for his talent with percussion instruments, as well as playing harmonica and providing some vocals for The Pogues.
Tributes have poured in for Ranken from heartbroken fans. One fan said: “Ah no. RIP Andrew Ranken of The Pogues. Lovely fella and, as we know, 99% of great bands have a great drummer. Andrew's playing on those timeless early Pogues albums proves that maxim.”
Another fan said: “As well as seeing him clobbering with the Pogues plenty of times, I saw him singing with his band Mysterious Wheels in Forest Gate a few years ago - great singer too. RIP.”