Photo: WENN.com
The Pogues have issued an official statement regarding the death of guitarist Philip Chevron, who died this week following a long-running battle with cancer, aged 56. Read the statement in full below.
"The news of Philip's death on Tuesday morning, from complications brought about by throat cancer, has hurt us terribly. Philip was first diagnosed with the disease in 2006 and after a gruelling period of chemotherapy which he had fought with such dignity, strength and heroism, he was declared to be in remission. But in a tragic stroke last August he returned from visiting his oncologist with the harrowing news that his cancer had returned, and that this time it was inoperable.
It has been no consolation that we have all had months to prepare for the worst; when the worst came yesterday morning, the preparations we had made turned out to be futile, and the impact has been felt very deeply. The hole that his death has left will be huge.
He was a remarkable and fantastically talented colleague, but most of all a friend. Our thoughts go out to his fans, who loved him unanimously. But above all, our thoughts are now with his family, with those he held dear and who have held him dear. Philip will be missed terribly and will always be in our hearts."
Chevron was treated for head and neck cancer in 2007 but given a clean bill of health in April 2012. Sadly, a new tumour appeared in August 2012 which was deemed inoperable. He died this morning (Tuesday 8 October).
The guitarist joined the legendary Irish punk-folk band as a temporary member after their debut album, Red Roses for Me. He quickly became a permanent guitarist for their sophomore effort, Rum, Sodomy And The Lash.
While Shane MacGowan was the key songwriter for The Pogues, Chevron is famous for writing fan favourite 'Thousands Are Sailing'.
