The Pogues Members, Gear & Sound

Irish‐British Celtic punk band

Genre

Folk rock Celtic rock Folk punk Celtic punk Celtic Folk Folk pop Irish folk Punk christmas

Members

Select a The Pogues band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Joe Strummer

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

The Clash Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros The 101ers The Latino Rockabilly War Electric Dog House Pepe Unidos Joe Strummer and the Astro-Physicians Joe Strummer & The Latino Rockabilly War

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Shane MacGowan

Roles:

Singer

Groups:

Shane MacGowan and The Shane Gang The Justice Collective Shane MacGowan and the Popes The Popes The Nipple Erectors Joe Strummer and the Astro-Physicians

No gear added

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Spider Stacy

Roles:

Singer

No gear added

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Phil Chevron

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

The Radiators from Space Joe Strummer and the Astro-Physicians Sexy Bongo

No gear added

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Jem Finer

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Joe Strummer and the Astro-Physicians Sexy Bongo

No gear added

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Andrew Ranken

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Joe Strummer and the Astro-Physicians Sexy Bongo

No gear added

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James Fearnley

Roles:

Composer

Groups:

The Walker Roaders The Nipple Erectors Joe Strummer and the Astro-Physicians Sexy Bongo The Low and Sweet Orchestra Cranky George

No gear added

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Cait O'Riordan

Roles:

Singer Bassist

Groups:

Joe Strummer and the Astro-Physicians Rogue Oliphant

No gear added

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About

The Pogues are an iconic band known for their fusion of Celtic folk and punk rock, creating a sound that is both raucous and deeply rooted in traditional Irish music. Formed in London in 1982, the group consists of key members like Shane MacGowan (vocals), Spider Stacy (tin whistle), Jem Finer (banjo, guitar), James Fearnley (accordion, guitar), Andrew David Ranken (drums), and Cait O'Riordan (bass). The Pogues gained critical acclaim with albums such as Red Roses for Me and Rum Sodomy & the Lash, bringing working-class themes and a rebellious spirit to the forefront of their music.

How to Sound Like The Pogues

To emulate the energetic and raw sound of The Pogues, musicians should focus on capturing a blend of traditional acoustic instruments and electric punk elements. Their music thrives on the dynamic interplay between raucous, driving rhythms and melodic, folk-inspired instrumentation. The band’s use of traditional instruments like the tin whistle and accordion creates a distinctly Celtic atmosphere, while the electric guitar and bass inject a punk edge. A Fender Telecaster, known for its bright and cutting tone, can emulate the gritty rock elements, while an acoustic guitar provides the rhythmic backbone. Percussion often leans towards a loose and lively style, enhancing the band’s vibrant and sometimes chaotic sound. The Pogues' music is as much about intensity and spirit as it is about musicality, so embracing an unpolished, passionate approach is key.

Discography

Red Roses for Me (Expanded Edition)

1984

Rum Sodomy & The Lash

1985

The BBC Sessions 1984 -1986 (Live)

1987

If I Should Fall from Grace with God (Expanded Edition)

1988

Peace and Love (Expanded Edition)

1989

Hell's Ditch (Expanded Edition)

1990

Waiting for Herb (Expanded Edition)

1993

Pogue Mahone (Expanded Edition)

1995

Streams of Whiskey - Live In Leysin, Switzerland 1991

2002

The Pogues In Paris - 30th Anniversary Concert At The Olympia

2012

Get the The Pogues Sound

Want to sound like The Pogues? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.