Pogues member Philip Chevron dies at 56

Guitarist for The Pogues, Philip Chevron has lost his battle with cancer.

Chevron, who joined the Celtic punk band shortly after their debut in 1984, had previously been treated for – and subsequently recovered from – head and neck cancer in 2007 but was struck with another tumour last year.

A statement released earlier this year called the illness “inoperable” and “fatal in time”. Chevron (pictured centre right) originally left the band in 1994 after struggling with alcohol and drug abuse, but rejoined the group in 2004 for reunion shows.

The musician was 56 at the time of his death. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.

[via The Guardian]