Overview

Punk protagonist, legendary drinker, Irish musical icon. The complete and extraordinary journey of the Pogues' notorious frontman from outcast to national treasure has never been told - until now. A Furious Devotion vividly recounts the experiences that shaped the greatest songwriter of his generation. As well as exclusive interviews with Shane himself, author Richard Balls has secured contributions from his wife and family, and people who have never spoken publicly about Shane before: close associates, former girlfriends and the English teacher who first spotted his literary gift. Nick Cave, Aidan Gillen, Cillian Murphy, Christy Moore, Sinead O'Connor and Dermot O'Leary are on the rollcall of those paying tribute to the gifted songwriter and poet. This frank and extensive biography also includes many previously unseen personal photographs in black and white.

Full Product Details

9781915841506

Table of Contents

Reviews

‘Definitive portrait of the former Pogue. Intimate, cooperative... the book’s strength is that he lets MacGowan speak, and speak on, perfectly capturing the lyrical, romantic rhythms beneath the rasped whisper.’ MOJO ‘A deep dive into the legacy of an Irish icon. Richard Balls serves up the most thorough account of the man — and myth — to date.’ Rolling Stone ‘A fascinating portrait of ex-Pogue and folk-punk pioneer’ Choice Magazine

'Definitive portrait of the former Pogue. Intimate, cooperative... the book's strength is that he lets MacGowan speak, and speak on, perfectly capturing the lyrical, romantic rhythms beneath the rasped whisper.' MOJO 'A deep dive into the legacy of an Irish icon. Richard Balls serves up the most thorough account of the man - and myth - to date.' Rolling Stone 'A fascinating portrait of ex-Pogue and folk-punk pioneer' Choice Magazine

Author Information

Richard Balls is a die-hard music fan who stumbled upon The Pogues on their first nationwide tour in 1984. An established writer and rock biographer, Richard was a newspaper journalist for twenty years – almost half of which he spent in Ireland. His previous books are Sex & Drugs & Rock’n’Roll: The Life of Ian Dury and Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story. He lives with his family in Norwich.

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