Guitarist and songwriter Philip Chevron has died in Dublin Openly-gay guitarist from iconic Irish band The Pogues, Philip Chevron, has lost his battle with cancer, aged just 56. A message on the group’s website reads: “After a long illness Philip passed away peacefully this morning. He was unique. We’ll miss him terribly. Dublin town, and the world, just got smaller.” Chevron was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2007, but staged a recovery over the following two years, making it back on stage. The band announced the cancer had returned, and was lethal, in May this year. He made his last public appearance at an August fundraiser and testimonial. Born Philip Ryan, Chevron wrote several of The Pogues’ popular tracks, including Thousands Are Sailing and Lorelei. He’s stated that neing gay and growing up in Ireland in the 1970s was a terrifying experience for any young man. “I decided to come out when I was in The Pogues because I thought well here’s an-all drinking, all-rousing, all-shagging, all stay-up-all-night sort of macho band which has me, too. With Bronski Beat and Frankie it was very obvious but I guess I wanted to show a more ordinary side to it.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 10th October 2013 - 10:24am