Pogues guitarist Philip Chevron dead at 56

Philip Chevron’s band, The Pogues, confirmed the tragic news saying that the guitarist passed away peacefully following a long illness.

12:20 10 October 2013

Pogues guitarist Philip Chevron has died on October 08. He was 56. His band confirmed the bad news via their website on Tuesday saying: "After a long illness Philip passed away peacefully this morning. He was unique. We'll miss him terribly. Dublin town, and the world, just got smaller.”

"Those of us on pogues.com are at a loss for words," the message continued.

"We all send our sincere condolences to his family. His loved ones are in our thoughts."

Chevron was treated for head and neck cancer in 2007. However, a new inoperable tumour appeared in August 2012.

Chevron, who was born Philip Ryan in Dublin, joined The Pogues after he formed punk band The Radiators From Space.

The Pogues became best known for their 1987 Christmas hit single Fairytale of New York featuring Kirsty MacColl. Chevron wrote several of his band’s song including the popular track, Thousands Are Sailing.