A Furious Devotion

The Life of Shane Macgowan

By: Richard Balls

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Paperback | 5 July 2024

At a Glance

Paperback
368 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
12.9 x 19.9 x 3.1

Paperback

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This paperback edition has been fully updated to include Shane's final months and the response to his passing.

Punk protagonist, legendary drinker, Irish musical icon. This is the complete and extraordinary journey of the Pogues' notorious frontman from outcast to national treasure.

A Furious Devotion vividly recounts the experiences that shaped the greatest songwriter of his generation, including the formative trips to his mother's homestead in Tipperary and the explosion of punk which changed his life.

As well as exclusive interviews with Shane himself, author Richard Balls secured contributions from his wife and family, and people who have never spoken publicly about Shane before: close associates, former girlfriends and the English teacher who first spotted his literary gift. Nick Cave, Aidan Gillen, Cillian Murphy, Christy Moore and Sinead O'Connor are on the rollcall of those paying tribute to the gifted songwriter and poet.

This frank and extensive biography includes many previously unseen personal photographs.

About the Author

Richard Balls is a writer and journalist. He has previously published Sex & Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll: The Life of Ian Dury and Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story.

Industry Reviews

A fascinating portrait of ex-Pogue and folk-punk pioneer Shane MacGowan
Choice Magazine

A brilliant read.
Tim Burgess

A deep dive into the legacy of an Irish icon. The most thorough account of the man — and myth.
Rolling Stone

Definitive portrait of the former Pogue. Intimate, cooperative... the books strength is that he lets MacGowan speak, and speak on, perfectly capturing the lyrical, romantic rhythms beneath the rasped whisper.
Mojo, 4*

Meticulously researched, balanced and rather excellent
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