Shane MacGowan’s band The Pogues slam the Guardian’s ‘terrible’ obituary that’s ‘full of errors’

GRIEVING members of The Pogues have lashed out at The Guardian after it published a "terrible" obituary to Shane MacGowan.

They said the write up to their friend, who died aged 65 on Thursday, was "full of errors".

The first line describes the singer "with his broken teeth and large ears".

It goes on to accuse Shane of giving The Pogues "a reputation for drunkenness".

The Irishman struggled with drug and alcohol addiction throughout his life.

After The Pogues shared their dismay on X, fans branded the obituary "disgraceful".

One fumed: "An obituary that shames someone about their looks in the first sentence. Incredibly disrespectful."

Another held no punches, branding the tribute "disgraceful, disrespectful, cowardly and snide!"

A third said: "Absolutely, vile."

Some said they "stopped reading after the first sentence" while others levelled accusations of not "understanding" Shane's lyrics.

Shane died surrounded by friends and family following an eight year health battle.

He had been diagnosed with viral encephalitis, a serious condition which leads to brain swelling.

Pogues star Peter "Spider" Stacy lead tributes to the lead singer, writing: "'O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done..'"

Replying to fans extending their condolences, he added: "It’s s***, isn’t it."

In recent years, the icon was confined to a wheelchair and aided by wife Victoria Mary Clarke and carer at home.

The hellraiser had been enjoying old episodes of Father Ted in the weeks leading up to his death.

Shane 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