Andrew Ranken, drummer for the British Celtic punk band The Pogues, has died at age 72. While Ranken’s official cause of death has not been confirmed, Rolling Stone noted that he had battled long-term health issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The group confirmed in a social media post that he passed away on Feb. 10.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer, founding member, and heartbeat of The Pogues.”
Andrew ‘The Clobberer’ Ranken.
— The Pogues (@poguesofficial) February 11, 2026
13 November 1953 – 10 February 2026 pic.twitter.com/kgzaVnNDHg
“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,” the band wrote.
“Our thoughts and love are with his family at this sad and difficult time: Spider Stacy, James Fearnley and Jem Finer.”
Andrew Ranken was a British musician best known as a founding-era drummer of the influential Celtic punk band The Pogues. Born in 1953, he joined the group in March 1983 — earning the nickname “The Clobberer” — after being invited by Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer, replacing original drummer John Hasler. Ranken played a key role in shaping the band’s raw fusion of traditional Irish sounds and punk energy, performing on early releases including their 1984 debut Red Roses for Me.
He stayed with The Pogues through their rise in the 1980s and remained until the band’s first breakup in 1996 following the commercial failure of Pogue Mahone. When the group reunited in 2001, Ranken returned as a multi-instrumentalist, contributing drums, percussion, harmonica and vocals during more than a decade of touring before they disbanded again in 2014 after guitarist Philip Chevron’s death.
Ranken did not take part in the band’s 2024 anniversary tour due to health issues. Outside The Pogues, he also performed with groups including The Mysterious Wheels and the hKippers, leaving a lasting mark on Celtic rock and punk music.
