Its with a heavy heart that I have to post this news that Philip Chevron of The Pogues and The Radiators of Space has passed away. Philip was suffering from a long battle with cancer and in May, he announced that he didn’t have much longer to live. My condolences go out to Philip’s family, friends and bandmates. Now let’s raise a glass for Philip, put on some Pogues and RFS albums and think of Philip!
I never met Phil sadly, because he didn’t go to the after-show party I attended one year. I’ve only been listening to the Pogues for 10 years or so, but they skyrocketed to be one of my favorite bands of all-time. I became a frequent member of the Pogues.com forum, where Philip was one of the few members of the band that was in constant contact with people on the board. Besides Spider or James, Philip was the unofficial spokesperson for the band and ended up always helping me out getting photo passes and just answering all the fans questions. Answering questions he heard every tour announcement: “Is Shane singing with the band?” That takes a lot of patience!
I saw the band a few times over in London, and then the bunch of times they were in NYC. One time, he helped my brother and his wife get into the London show last minute because my brother was an idiot and threw out his tickets by mistake. My brother personally thanked him again and talked to Philip in Newark Airport the year after or so since they were both heading to London. The last time I saw the Pogues perform was in 2011, and that was the last time I had the pleasure of photographing Philip. You can check out my photos here.
In August, Dublin paid tribute to Phil Chevron in a concert where Philip appeared at the end. Watching that video practically brought tears to my face. My friend Paul said he never saw an entire venue crying before. This news of Philip’s passing isn’t shocking but that doesn’t mean it’s easier to handle. Philip will be truly missed!
Pogues.com posted this:
After a long illness Philip passed away peacefully this morning. We all send our sincere condolences to his family.
I've no words right now. Thanks for all the kind thoughts. Goodbye Phil x
— Spider Stacy (@spiderstacy) October 8, 2013
Rest in peace Phil Chevron !!!! Thanks for all the great music “Then we raised a glass to PRC” @poguesofficial
— Dropkick Murphys (@DropkickMurphys) October 8, 2013
R.I.P. Phil Chevron. You made one hell of a mark.
— Chuck Ragan (@ChuckRagan) October 8, 2013
RIP Phillip Chevron. I fondly remember 'The Dancing Years' & other great songs from The Radiators From Space.
— Kevin Duffy (@kjmduffy) October 8, 2013
RIP Phil Chevron from the Pogues “may you be in heaven a half hour before the Devil knows you're dead”… http://t.co/Jye0PNkpAg
— jesse dayton (@jessedayton) October 8, 2013
Goodbye Phil Chevron. RIP. http://t.co/wyVbLphzKC
— Phil 'Swill' Odgers (@SwillOdgers) October 8, 2013
Sorry to hear that Phil Chevron, of Radiators from Space and Pogues fame, has passed away. http://t.co/u1xxDwRtoL
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) October 8, 2013
Here’s Shane, Spider and Andrew playing Thousands at the Tribute concert in August:
And here’s some other videos to watch: