Shane MacGowan passed away on November 30. The cause of death revealed

Renowned Irish musician Shane MacGowan battled several critical illnesses in the past year; however, he was resilient and maintained an upbeat outlook. Although recently discharged from the hospital, an unexpected illness eventually claimed his life.

Shane MacGowan, best known as The Pogues' vocalist, once seriously pondered upon a life in the clergy during his youth. He was enticed by the assurances offered: a comfortable home, ample alcohol, music, and the grandeur of the masses. Still, ultimately, he found his calling serving a wider audience from a different stage.

"I recall one rehearsal for a festival gig. As he strolled up to the microphone, hands tucked in his pockets, and sang 'A Pair of Brown Eyes', time seemed to momentarily freeze [...] Of course, a few hours later at the concert, Shane was quite inebriated, but that was one of the things we all loved about him," recounted Nick Cave in 'The Guardian' many years back.

While MacGowan developed well-documented habits of indulging in alcohol and heroin, neither of these substances caused his death, at least not directly.

After being diagnosed with viral brain inflammation in December 2022, MacGowan experienced edema and difficulties with his motor skills and speech. Since then, he has been regularly hospitalized in the intensive care unit, with the most recent admission occurring last November. He was discharged at the end of the month, but his condition necessitated a return to the hospital soon after.

As reported by 'Metro' magazine, Shane MacGowan passed away on November 30 due to pneumonia, after receiving the last rites. He would have celebrated his 66th birthday on Christmas Day.