Crowds lined the streets of the Irish capital Dublin to pay their respects to Irish musician Shane McGowan, who died last week aged 65.
McGowan, the lead singer of country punk band The Boguss, died on November 30, prompting an outpouring of tributes.
Thousands clapped and cheered as his casket was carried through town in a horse-drawn carriage, led by members of the Art Band, a touring group of young musicians who played some of McGowan’s songs, including “Fairtiles of New York” and “A Rainy.” Night in Soho.”
McGowan has been hospitalized several times in Dublin since July.
The late singer co-wrote the classic Christmas song “Fairytale of New York” with Kirsty McCall in 1987. As the memorial procession passed, a song about a couple going through hard times was played, and the audience reacted, clapping and singing along to the chorus.
McGowan was born in England in 1957 to Irish parents, and in 1982, he founded “The Bugs”, a band that combined punk and Irish folk music. From former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s policies and imposed censorship authorities.
McGowan was known for his songs that reflected the lives of the Irish and their immigrants.
“Shane will be one of the greatest songwriters ever,” said Irish President Michael T. Higgins said in a statement that his songs were “well-written poems”.
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar described McGowan as a “wonderful musician and artist”.
“Coffee evangelist. Alcohol fanatic. Hardcore creator. Infuriatingly humble zombie ninja. Writer. Introvert. Music fanatic.”
