Andrew Ranken, the distinguished drummer and a founding member of the iconic London-based music group The Pogues, has passed away at the age of 72. The band announced his death, which occurred on Tuesday, paying heartfelt tribute to Ranken as the "heartbeat of The Pogues." In a statement published online, his bandmates expressed their profound sadness: "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."

Ranken, affectionately nicknamed "The Clobberer," was an integral part of The Pogues' unique sound, contributing drums, percussion, harmonica, and vocals. His rhythmic foundation can be heard on some of the band's most celebrated tracks, including the perennial Christmas classic "Fairytale of New York," "Dirty Old Town," and their rendition of "The Irish Rover," which famously featured The Dubliners. He also lent his lead vocals to the song "Worms," the final track on their critically acclaimed 1988 album, "If I Should Fall From Grace With God." Andrew Ranken performed with the group consistently between 1983 and 1996, and later returned for another significant tenure from 2001 to 2014.

The Pogues originated in 1982, initially forming as Pogue Mahone, a name suggested by Spider Stacy. The band's classic lineup featured Ranken alongside the late singer Shane MacGowan, bassist Cait O'Riordan, singer and tin whistle player Spider Stacy, banjo player Jem Finer, and accordion player James Fearnley. They quickly rose to prominence, reaching their critical peak with the 1985 album "Rum, Sodomy And The Lash" and their commercial zenith with "If I Should Fall From Grace With God" three years later. The band, which also included members like Terry Woods and Darryl Hunt over the years, received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards in 2006. Following the band's initial break-up in 1996, Ranken, Stacy, and Hunt briefly continued to play together as The Vendettas.

Beyond his work with The Pogues, Ranken pursued other musical ventures, playing with bands such as the hKippers, alongside EastEnders star Paul Bradley, and the Municipal Waterboard. In 2013, he released a charity single titled "Take Me Down To St Joe's" to raise money and awareness for St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney, east London. The track featured Ranken on lead vocals, backed by his rhythm and blues band, the Mysterious Wheels, with guest appearances from singer Nikki Akinjinmi and trumpet player Dan Gale-Hayes. Ranken revealed at the time that he suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and had attended a rehabilitation class where he connected with a nurse from St Joseph's, prompting his charitable effort.

Ranken's passing marks another profound loss for The Pogues' family, following several other significant bereavements. The band's legendary frontman, Shane MacGowan, died just over two years prior in November 2023 at the age of 65, after suffering from viral encephalitis. MacGowan, known for his charismatic yet often turbulent presence, had been a pivotal figure in the band's history, from its punk-infused origins to his departure in 1991 and subsequent return in 2001. Lead guitarist Philip Chevron also passed away in 2013 at 56, after a long battle with head and neck cancer, having rejoined the band for tours and performed his signature song "Thousands Are Sailing." Bass player Darryl Hunt died at the age of 72, further compounding the losses experienced by the group. Moreover, Kirsty MacColl, who famously duetted with MacGowan on "Fairytale of New York," was tragically killed at 41 in December 2000 after being hit by a speedboat off the coast of Mexico, a tragedy her ex-husband Steve Lilywhite described as involving a "cover-up" orchestrated by Mexican billionaire Guillermo González Nova.

Tributes have poured in for Andrew Ranken from around the world. Fans remembered him as a "musical force" and "quite the stand-up guy," with many lamenting that "the world is running out of Pogues." Siobhan MacGowan, Shane MacGowan's sister, posted on X, recognizing Ranken as "such an important part of the story. A band brother and unbelievably talented and unique drummer. May he rest in peace." Ranken's enduring spirit, his musical contributions, and his steadfast friendship were hallmarks of his character, leaving an indelible mark on his bandmates, fans, and the broader music landscape. His legacy as the rhythmic foundation of The Pogues will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come.