Shane MacGowan and Victoria Mary Clarke are one of the most unconventional and enduring couples in the world of music and literature. Their love story spans over four decades, from their teenage crush in Dublin to their secret wedding in Copenhagen. Here are some of the highlights of their extraordinary journey together.
- They met when Victoria was 16 and Shane was 24. She was a schoolgirl who loved punk rock and he was the frontman of The Pogues, a band that fused Irish folk and punk. They were introduced by a mutual friend at a party and felt an instant connection1
- They moved in together soon after, sharing a flat in London. Their relationship was tumultuous, marked by Shane’s alcoholism, drug addiction and erratic behaviour. Victoria tried to help him, but also struggled with her own issues. She wrote a biography of him, A Drink with Shane MacGowan, which revealed the dark and light sides of their romance2
- They stayed together through many ups and downs, including Shane’s near-fatal car crash in 1991, his dental problems and his health scares. They also supported each other’s creative endeavours, with Victoria becoming a successful journalist, writer and broadcaster, and Shane continuing to make music and collaborate with other artists3
- They got engaged in 2007, after Shane proposed to Victoria on Christmas Day. They announced their engagement on The Late Late Show, where Shane presented Victoria with a ring made of tin foil. They said they wanted to get married in Ireland, but faced some legal and logistical difficulties.
- They finally tied the knot in 2018, in a low-key ceremony in Copenhagen, Denmark. They chose the city because it was easy to get married there and because they liked its vibe. They wore matching red outfits and were joined by a few close friends and family members, including Johnny Depp, who played guitar at the wedding. They celebrated their marriage with a pint of Guinness at a local pub.
- They are still happily married today, despite Shane’s ongoing health challenges. He was diagnosed with encephalitis in 2020, which caused him to lose some of his memory and speech. He spent several months in hospital, where Victoria visited him regularly. He was discharged in 2023, and is now recovering at home with Victoria by his side. They remain devoted to each other and to their passion for music and literature.
Shane MacGowan and Victoria Mary Clarke are a remarkable couple who have overcome many obstacles and shared many joys. Their love story is a testament to their resilience, loyalty and creativity. They are an inspiration to anyone who believes in the power of love.
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