Shane MacGowan's Final Wish Before His Death Was This 'Epic' Parting Gift

Shane MacGowan had his final wish for his loved ones before his death.

MacGowan's friends, colleagues, family and fans bid goodbye to him at the funeral held on December 8 days after his death. His remains were returned to Tipperary and cremated following a procession across Dublin to St. Mary of the Rosary church.

Although he left everyone broken by the loss, he also left his family a heartfelt gift as part of his final wish.

Shane MacGowan's Final Wish Revealed

In an interview with The Independent, MacGowan's drinking companion confirmed the singer reserved a $10,800 tab behind the bar to have his guests enjoy the free drinks.

"I know the pub they are going to for the meal after there has already been €10,000 handed over the counter for free beer - it was Shane's last request," the source said. "It is a beautiful place just outside of town but there is only a limited amount of people allowed."

The event started at 6 p.m. on Friday and continued until sunrise. Several renowned celebrities celebrated MacGowan's life at the memorial, including Johnny Depp, Glen Hansard and Bobby Gillespie, among others.

The Pogues singer died on November 30 at the age of 65 weeks after his discharge from Dublin's St. Vincent's Hospital. Initial reports said he died due to a prolonged period of illness.

For what it's worth, he was hospitalized in December 2022 due to viral encephalitis. The diagnosis, which is an inflammation of the brain, caused him to be in and out of the medical facility.

How Did Shane MacGowan Die? Cause of Death Confirmed

A few days after his death, his wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, exclusively told The New York Times that MacGowan passed away from pneumonia less than a month before what would have been his 66th birthday.

His wife told The Independent in 2016 that his health issues started while he was also dealing with alcohol problems.

"Shane has been a singer all his life, singing in bars and clubs and other venues where people go to drink and have fun. If anyone is not drinking, it is unusual in these places," she said. "So the drinking has not just been a recreational activity, his whole career has revolved around it and, indeed, been both enhanced and simultaneously inhibited by it."

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Shane MacGowan