Shane MacGowan's Wife Victoria Mary Clarke Opens Up On Dealing With His Death | Good Morning Britain

Shane MacGowan's wife Victoria Mary Clarke talks about how she dealt with his passing a few days ago. The wife of late Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan will tell Good Morning Britain that she hopes his song Fairytale of New York will be Christmas number one in his memory.
Broadcast on 05/12/23
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[@sherrykennedy3159]

Such a sweet spirit coming from her and I was so impressed with her comments on her husband…and on the reality of loss. I wish her much joy and peace ahead.

[@shanesmith2853]

What a lovely lady and wonderful human being Victoria is. My heart goes out to her, the family, and all of us who Shane has touched over the years. R.I.P. Shane 💔

[@mollydooker9636]

I can see why Shane loved her. Unpretentious and honest.

[@patohare5254]

lovely comment

[@charleneelovitz3738]

She sounds deeply understanding!

[@lauraalvey9424]

Not to mention gorgeous. Many other artists were in love w/her, but she stuck it out w/Shane…an incredible woman.

[@sunsaengnim6880]

What a lovely thing to say, using her time of bereavement to convey a positive message to others. Immense respect.

[@peneleapai]

💯

[@annekelly6837]

"Nobody was more special than anyone else" that sums it up for me. RiP Shane....you will be missed

[@womanonagapyear]

Shane out of suffering, is the true blessing he got for Xmas. Fairy Tale oF New York will always be his song and Celtic souls will always understand his music. It not that unexplainable, not cheesy, and thats ok. Music, poetry and the craic are weaved into the hearts and souls of Irish people the world over. Reminding and remembering our belonging❤. Peace and Condolences to all his family.

[@AmandaBowe-be6vd]

Thank you for talking about grief she is a lovely lady

[@mrbipolarmattyhoward6071]

What a wonderful lady has so much love for the person she was married to for most of her life. Losing her soul mate yet only has love for everyone a beautiful lady with a heart of gold Shane married an angel, R.I.P Shane.

[@trishaprett7721]

Beautifully said.

[@nahojii1989]

I never met Shane in person (I'm from Sweden) so I only knew him through his music, a few concerts and TV interviews. I still miss him - so much! Huge talent, Word Magician and Genius, Generous warm-hearted Clown, Destructive Punk, constantly going Full-speed and always giving 110% - There's not enough words to describe the different faces of Shane I've seen over the years. He seemed both complex and very simple at the same time. True to himself and a pure soul "ya' know". R.I.P. Shane Patrick Lysaght MacGowan : Oíche mhaith - Feicfidh mé go luath thú

[@peneleapai]

and you in your generosity mirrors that warmth again. Go ndéanfaidh maith duit 🍇

[@bobbyd4298]

Still hard to believe the Pet Shop Boys held this Amazing song off the number 1Spot. For me, it's not the Christmas feeling until I first hear it every year. Rip Big Man 🙏❤🙏

[@natd.2165]

Terribly sad to have lost Shane, he was my first loved christmas song when I arrived in London, I felt instantly in love with the Pogues. Victoria is blessed and privileged to have shared his life, not easy though but powerful love. RIP Shane you lived your life fully 😇😢

[@donskidiva]

My mum loved this song and wanted us to write the words down for her, unfortunately she passed away before we could get them to her, I love the song but couldn't listen to ir for a long time, it's touched sooo many people, thankfully I can listen to it again, Shane's music touched so many, condolences to you and Shane's family ❤.

[@JosephineB63]

I'm so relieved that Victoria is coping - May Shane Rest in Peace - You were so Special to Shane

[@AriaIvancichArt]

I am very sad😢and sorry for Victoria and all of us loosing such a great musician, artist, human

[@keithkent8344]

Shane MacGowan is a guy I would have loved to have a chance to hang out with. As a story teller I think of him along the lines of Bob Dylan. He was awesome! I have to give a lot of props to the Pogues musicians too and the lovely lady that sang with them. They were terrific! So sad about his early demise but he lived life to the fullest while he was here. God bless him and his family and keep the faith until we meet again.

[@oliviervachez226]

It would be such a beautiful tribute to Shane if the song tops the charts for Christmas.

[@marymary5494]

My deepest condolences Victoria and to all of Shane’s loved one’s. I agree with Victoria, I don’t think Shane would be too bothered about the number 1 slot, but yeah it would be a fantastic tribute to him. Fairytale of NY came on the radio today while I was browsing in a greeting card shop, myself and a lady stood near started humming along.....we caught each other eye and smiled. Rip Shane.

[@glennoc8585]

She seems very accepting of her husband's passing. I think the loneliness is the hardest part of loss from divorce or death of a partner. If you have faith I think that helps you hope to be reunited again. I think it's harder if you're an agnostic person as a loved ones death feels extremely final. Getting involved in social activities or pets can give a new future

[@aynos629]

​@@glennoc8585its a horrible thing to see your loved one dead. The physical part of it is makes you feel nihilism. Heartbreaking

[@louisegoodyear2515]

It will definitely be number one this Christmas! 🎇🌈🙏

[@kathybutterfield2760]

I hope her grace lasts, bless her. She feels very connected to Shane still. I bet Fairytale will go to one.

[@michaelfoley9904]

May God bless you Shane , one of Irelands greatest song writers and indeed many say poet. Shane had many many great songs ,not just the Fairytale of NewYork , Sláinte , Shane. 🍺. 🇮🇪☘

[@gerardreilly4693]

Met him back stage on at Patrick’s night at Glasgow Barrowlands. Think it was 1989 Shane was my hero ❤

[@gordwilkes]

The Pogues at the Barrowlands in '89 was one of their most epic shows... I'm happy for you to have that memory. I met Shane once at a pub/ restaurant I worked at in Toronto in the late '90s. He didn't like the city and he didn't like the cold. He was looking forward to going somewhere else! LOL I think he was doing a bunch of promotional stuff with The Popes back then. Quite unremarkable, but nevertheless, your encounter takes the bottle mate!

[@martefact]

Oh Dear - it strikes me the grief hasn't even appeared for this woman. She really looks like she hasn't yet felt the loss yet. Sending a lot of love her way !

[@emilydavison2053]

She's had a long time to prepare for it. It's amazing he lived as long as he did.

[@sharonramsey715]

I believe you’re right, no matter how well you think you are prepared the shock hits like a rock in the weeks and months that follow.

[@gallowglass2630]

The grief doesn't start until the coffin is lowered into and even then doesn't start until the refreshments after the funeral(very irish thing) with the relations family and friends because you are wrapped in cotton wool.There is nothing unusual or inappropiate about her response to the death of her husband give her space to grieve in her own way

[@eileenmoore5960]

Agree. Sometimes grief takes a while to set in. It can even take up to two years before it is truly felt.

[@PH_1964]

That's just what I was thinking. God bless her, family and friends 😢 🙏 ✝️

[@kikkan7110]

What a wonderful woman, God bless her and give her strength in days to come.

[@simonmccullagh278]

Such a kind person. We miss him. He’s one of our own & his music will be played for many & many years to come 🇮🇪

[@dariogiordani4982]

I never met neither Shane nor Victoria of course. This interview inspired me positively to love life and respect all the people while drinking a pint of Guinness and listening to the wonderful music of the Pogues.

[@lyndkent-cl2oe]

Always my fav. Christmas song....RIP LEGEND!!

[@noral1960]

What a beautiful person and tribute to her husband ..rest in peace Shane

[@mariewilliams602]

I loved Shane Mc. Gowan he was a lovely human being ❤❤❤❤❤

[@divinedefiance7069]

OH YES HE CAN SEE IT!! GOOD ON YOU VICTORIA FOR SAYING SO 😊

[@RetroGameRepublic]

RIP Shane, Fairy Tale of New York is an absolute masterpiece. You are now reunited in Heaven with Kirsty, hopefully making more awsome tunes!

[@kelleybunny]

such a loving way to look at things. always loved shanes music and writing and i can see why he loved this beautiful woman.

[@LeeJahn-ih9xu]

I remember seeing an interview Nick Cave gave concerning Shane, he said he was the most humble, down to earth, compassionate man he’d ever met, a real gentle , beautiful soul 😢… I’ll be playing The Pogues this Christmas, much light and kindness to his wife , sad day indeed

[@sharonviale8423]

Dang, Shane has written so many songs that are classic....he'll go down as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation.I love "Fairytale" but I get so frustrated that his large body of amazing work gets overlooked.

[@peneleapai]

what are your top 5 of Shane's that you'd recommend to other budding songwriters to go and study ?

[@sharonviale8423]

@peneleapai Ask me five different days and I would probably have five different answers..lol.Lately it's been A Pair Of Brown Eyes (Absolute fav) The Sickbed of Cuchulainn The Body Of An American A Rainy Night In Soho If I Should Fall From Grace With God.

[@hopesprings7812]

Great choices, I always cry when listening to a Pair of Brown Eyes ,I think of my dear old dog who's been gone 5 years.

[@RoisinOReillyOfficial]

Beautiful real words of hope Victoria for everyone. I never met Shane but loved his songs. Yes, I agree with Susan let's hope Fairytale of NY goes to No 1 this Christmas...for Shane & Victoria. x

[@nicolahempsall6416]

My dad passed away 11 month ago . His death was traumatic and no one ever supported us . I’m Lucky if I’ve spoken to 5 people in that time scale . Every body’s grief is different. But I’m my grief is a lonely one

[@ko0974]

Is that how you want it to be whilst going through this awful time? ..Reach out to a family member ,or a friend ... Samaritans, alone you can at least talk to someone over phone....It's good to talk ,pick up the phone x

[@LaurenceOConnor-fg4dk]

You have my deepest sympathy and condolences on the death of your father. Your situation reminds of the turmoil I endured at the hands of toxic narcissistic people around me following the death of my aunt. God bless you always.

[@scarletred8888]

Please reach out in any way you can, even if it is to the Samaritans, there is support out there, no one should feel alone at a vulnerable time like this, bless you and try to look after yourself dear.

[@marymary5494]

My condolences to you @nicolahempsall6416. 💕

[@dianebell3653]

My mother died in 2020. I was the only one with her when she suffered an acute aortic dissection. It was horrific. Personally I wanted to be left alone to deal with it myself. Some things you just never get over but you'll find a new normal eventually. It's taken me three years to find mine. There are people out there if you need but you have to reach out to them.

[@lindabond7964]

Knowing well in advance that your loved one is leaving you softens the moments ....grieving isnt so hard as when you lose someone quite unexpectantly. No time to prepare .❤ RIP Shane. X

[@liviamoon]

No time to prepare is true. But the pain and the sadness are the same for me. I've had to let many love ones go on their journey. Unexpected and expected.

[@TMB799]

Yeh come on everyone let's get fairytale ov newyork to be number 1!!!! Godbless shane an his family!!🤎🙏🙌👊👍💯💯

[@TheBodhisattvaWisdom]

I met Shane so many times, in my life the last 20 years.. Some times for days on end.. Every time I heard his music, he visited me.

[@anitawilliams8343]

What a lovely woman Victoria is and what an amazing funeral ceremony that she and others put together I wish you the best Shane was the love of your life and you stood by him and seen people dance around Shane coffin was amazing i am sure he was looking down on you and feeling what a amazing woman you are

[@jenniferpachas6902]

God Bless you ....we love you and Shane ❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@headron66]

Oh my, her heart must be broken, I’ve been with my lovely husband just as long as Shane and Victoria were and can’t imagine living without him. I’m praying for her and also for Shane’s family, such a huge loss. I’m so appreciative that she is sharing him with the world.

[@mcloving6989]

Not being funny but what are you praying for?

[@headron66]

@@mcloving6989 That they get through the stages of grieving smoothly.

[@Sally-lg1vn]

I agree with you completely. She has spent most of her adult life with Shane, must be devastating for her 💔.

[@karenrix7442]

Wonderful interview VICTORIA. I was there too at the very beginning of Fairytale, living with Shane & Victoria and Big Charlie in 277 Liverpool road Islington in 1989. I remember hearing that song blasting from the speakers of Charlie’s van as he brought Shane back from the recording studios. No one knew the song but at 4am it was blast in the air over Islington! Even then I thought wow a song for Christmas that’s cool! That house we all shared holds some great memories for me, having many chats with Shane about his Love of Victoria in those early days. Great great memories….and I have the photos from those days too! Victoria and Shane was one really great love story. RIP my dear friend 💜💜💜

[@naturehuman]

Wonderful. Have you written about this time, Karen? Would read.

[@karenrix7442]

@@naturehuman Thank you for the lovely reply. No I have not written about my time living in that very famous house in Islington for a whole year it turns out! Living with Shane & Victoria is only a part of my life story, I was in a relationship with Robbo ( Brian Robertson of Thin Lizzy Motorhead ) he is my son Logan Robertson’s dad. We were together 17 years, and met when I began my career as a vocalist. This all overlaps during this time as well as my manager was Flock of Seagulls and Angie Bowie etc. Also Terry Ramsden was around in my life too during these early years. So I should think I really do need to write that book one day! Especially as Shane Mcgowan was such a big part of those times too. Speaking to Victoria recently her words were “ We really just did not know just how much fun we were having living in 277 Liverpool Road Islington N1 back in 1989.” It was THAT good! Victoria looks so beautiful in this interview. 💜💜💜

[@dominicjackson3769]

"Slante" Shane and safe home. Thanks for the songs & memories, God bless now and R.I.P........Dominic and (thosands more) for sure, your on me Rosary list......✌👏👏

[@PopeyeBerlin]

Shane really was an outstanding person and a genius. I am from Germany and I never met him in person but I would be very proud if I would have met him. Many people miss him now, like me. His songs are wonderful and will live forever! Rest in peace, Shane!

[@highvolumepls]

Wonderful Lady God bless you and Merry Christmas Shane will never die

[@shayhamilton4086]

Aw she is so lovely and open and honest God Bless her ❤️

[@greenblood64]

I’m so sorry for Shane’s death. He will be missed.💚🙏🏻

[@natalieinger2309]

She is so fantastic.Just love her honesty and feel all that she was saying about loosing a loved one was so pertinent and true.

[@michelloenneberga6313]

What a wonderful experience for me to hear her speaking. I was beginning to lose my imagine of real love. I mean real love of souls. I started to believe it was a fairytale. But now I've learned that it's really exist! I feel so wonderful now, thank you Victoria and Shane! And of course- he is all around you! Love will never die!!! ❤💞

[@DeeWeber]

I loved the honesty. Thank you for that.

[@satansalley6526]

That bought a tear to the eye.

[@lindagraham2576]

That song will always be my number one R I P Shane 😢

[@stevepunter3704]

STAY STRONG VICTORIA, condolences. Good people are hard to come by, yourself and Shane were the team ❤️🍻🇦🇺.

[@classactsexpertiseandinspi4815]

Victoria dosnt realise that grief comes in waves, she feels the presence of Shane at the moment and has had lots of contact with people around the funeral - but the reality of life alone without one's soul mate hasn't really kicked in yet, and she will need bereavement councelling when it does. Her work as a writer will help her to journal her progress and rebalance her life. God rest Shane and grant serenity to Victoria.

[@hellcat19832]

I’m thinking the same; first is the shock, then the comfort from other abd then it only really hits home when everyone leaves and you have no choice but to face your grief:

[@tabathasudholz2115]

Yes, very true, as the different levels of realisation hits, as you go along in life

[@cynthiabowkett4082]

SHANE WAS TRUE TO HIMSELF UNBELIEVABLE HUMAN BEING WHO IS VERY TALENTED FUNNY CREATIVE AND VERY LOVED. SHANE IS LIVING ON IN HIS WAY LAUGHING AND SINGING HE HAS NOT GONE HE IS AROUND YOU LOVING YOU AND ALL. BLESS YOU FROM U K CYNTHIA FINNERTY.

[@asbisi]

Victoria is so wonderful. Lots of thoughts to her and to Shane.

[@beestonsteve]

I met Victoria once at a Shane concert, such a lovely positive person, and that shows through in this interview.

[@John-fw2bp]

Well done Victoria, you are so positive ❤

[@kimberlyaccurso1921]

I didn’t know the music or Shane .. I just listened the first time today & I get what you all are saying! I’ll be looking into listening more! God Bless.

[@angelakeely5859]

So down to earth and humble ❤

[@ronanmartin2362]

What a shame that these two seem to think all Shane was was Fairytale of New York. He wrote so many wonderful songs and was a true poet.

[@Two_Seat_Pete_FatA55]

Indeed. So many great songs. A Pair Of Brown Eyes astounds me every time I hear it.

[@BestUserNameUK]

'Rainy Night in Soho' is a sublime composition.

[@tabathasudholz2115]

I like Victoria, despite what others say, she’s kinda pure and honest to me, just there, being honest all the time about herself and perceptions, with a sweet smile

[@CathleenHarty-jq6zs]

RIP SHANE. SIMPLY THE BEST❤🙏☘️

[@JaniceRNZ]

A wonderful lady. Rest in peace Shane.

[@johndaarteest]

Wow - to be able to do an interview so soon after losing your husband. A lovely and strong lady. ❤

[@davidhenrywall8619]

Great song great character was Shane McGowan. R.I.P.

[@vjc2270]

Yes. Just “Yes”. Massive respect to Victoria - what a strong, honest woman. 🙏❤️

[@joe56474]

I think she's an angel. For real.

[@bobbasha-bt6ml]

Love the pogoed!! I am from a small town in Newfoundland Canada and his music is played in all across the rock!! RIP!!

[@bobbasha-bt6ml]

Pogues!!!!!

[@maireadheffernan9943]

Lovely Victoria, bless your kind and giving heart.

[@bridgetfitz8001]

Beautiful interview.

[@janhensley3617]

My sincere condolences. Thank you Victoria. You and Shane were two of the most “down to earth real people” ever in music history. The Irish sound brings so much joy and I love it. 💚🎶

[@isthatyoursandwich]

Shane was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet❤

[@bridiewright1519]

Victoria will miss him desperately, hope Fridays funeral goes well and he has a huge send off in tipp😢❤

[@Boogleye]

It's the simple things in life that make you a king ,Love you both ❤

[@lindajames-bradley8477]

This is True Love 💖 What a lovely Lady God Bless Her 💖🙏💔

[@tinahooker5489]

Beautiful words from a beautiful woman ❤

[@adamcotton2121]

Two beautiful souls.

[@t.dmytryshyn2615]

Fairy Tale of New York is one of the best lyrics ever written and I couldn't listen to it without crying before Shane died and this year it is even worse. A troubled soul resting in peace at last.

[@dibble2005]

I want to thank the panel and the respect and admiration they showed in the interview. Many people focus on Shanes huge drinking problem but of course Shane would never see it as a problem. I am Irish and we have a love hate relationship with drink. But thanks Ed and Victoria.

[@joansheekey476]

Ah poor girl she’s holding in there so strong god bless her rip shsne hel allways with her ❤

[@peterlinz2733]

R.I.P. Shane.A Genius is gone.❤I will be sad for the rest of my life.😢😢😢

[@tinahooker5489]

Of course he can feel it faith is everything ❤

[@deborahpatrick6046]

I am so glad Shane has become a beautiful soul and always works

[@dollyG1968]

Fly high dear Shane- beautiful soul and thanks for the words

[@jesicawiatrowski3739]

So sorry for you're loss Victoria my deepest sympathy 😢

[@jazmynecooper-simpson6863]

My most favourite song at Christmas time zxx

[@TheGaaGaasOfficial]

She’s a lovely person, he’s with her forever X

[@charleshill773]

There's much more to Shane MacGowan than THAT song!

[@kevinflaherty9669]

Had a drink with the pogues and victoria barrow land Glasgow October 1990 what a session Shane was in his hotel room drinking martini

[@rubydawn1]

Glad Shane had such a wonderful wife and was loved so much

[@JimmyRoche420]

Shane was a great rest in peace 🙏

[@Marlondurran]

Lovely woman.. RIP Shane

[@heliopolis29]

Lest we forget all the other great songs he wrote. Saw the Pogues at the Cambridge Corn Exchange in '88 or so and we were in the mosh pit. Fell down and was valiantly picked up to enjoy the rest of the gig.

[@jc-wq4lj]

Fairytale. Only Christmas Carol I play. Love it

[@abrazalves]

A great Lady Victoria. Its not easy to be the companion of a poet and a great artist

[@annecaro.3956]

the best ever ! Shane for ever

[@jujutrini8412]

I send my condolences to her and the family. RIP Shane M.

[@debbiecarter900]

What a lovely lovely lady rip Shane x ❤

[@christianefiorito3204]

We will make it to number one this year

[@shughy1]

She is so articulate in her words too, lots of great points made, lovely couple

[@noelmurphy9478]

It was the best Christmas song ever released 🎉

[@twwoody813]

Victoria is such a beautiful soul 🥰