The Pogues is an Anglo-Irish band founded in London in 1982. Blending punk rock with Irish folk music, they stand out for their raw energy, poetic and often melancholic lyrics, and the deeply expressive performance of their charismatic singer, Shane MacGowan. Their sound is characterized by a combination of traditional instruments such as the accordion, tin whistle, and mandolin, fused with an unrestrained punk attitude. Their songs cover a wide range of themes, from exile and nostalgia to drunkenness and social rebellion, often tinged with dark humor and a sense of disillusioned romance. Despite tumultuous periods marked by excess and the departure of MacGowan in 1991, the band left an indelible mark on the music scene with iconic tracks like Fairytale of New York, Dirty Old Town, and The Irish Rover. Their influence can be found among both folk musicians and the punk movement, making them an essential reference in folk punk.
