Former Pogues Drummer Andrew Ranken Dies at 72

Ranken, known as 'The Clobberer,' was a founding member and played on all of the band's studio albums.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Andrew Ranken, the former drummer for the iconic Irish folk punk band The Pogues, has died at the age of 72. Ranken joined The Pogues in 1983 and played on all of the band's seven studio albums before they broke up in 1996. He later rejoined the group when they reunited in 2001, continuing to perform with them until 2014.

Why it matters

The Pogues were one of the most influential and beloved bands of the 1980s and 1990s, blending traditional Irish folk music with punk rock energy. Ranken's drumming was an integral part of the band's signature sound, and his death marks the passing of another key figure from that era of music.

The details

Ranken, known by his nickname 'The Clobberer,' was a founding member of The Pogues and played on every one of the band's seven studio albums. After the group's breakup in 1996, he rejoined The Pogues in 2001 upon their reunion, which lasted until 2014.

  • Ranken joined The Pogues in 1983.
  • The Pogues broke up in 1996.
  • The Pogues reunited in 2001, with Ranken rejoining the band.
  • The Pogues' reunion lasted until 2014.
  • Ranken passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 72.

The players

Andrew Ranken

The former drummer for the Irish folk punk band The Pogues, known by his nickname 'The Clobberer.'

The Pogues

An iconic Irish folk punk band that was formed in the 1980s and known for blending traditional Irish music with punk rock energy.

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What they’re saying

“Andrew, thank you for everything, for your friendship, your wit and your generosity of spirit, and of course for the music, forever a true friend and brother.”

— The Pogues (Instagram)

The takeaway

Ranken's passing marks the end of an era for one of the most influential and beloved bands of the 1980s and 1990s. His drumming was an integral part of The Pogues' signature sound, and his death will be mourned by fans of the band and the wider music community.