Shane MacGowan's fortune as figures show how much he made from Christmas classic

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Shane MacGowan
Shane MacGowan's fortune as figures show how much he made from Christmas classic

The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan has left behind a £4million fortune. The singer, who died last month at the age of 65, raked in between £216,000 and £260,000 a year in royalties from 1988 festive classic, Fairytale of New York.

The boozy ballad, featuring the late Kirsty MacColl, came in sixth in yesterday’s Christmas chart. Shane’s net worth, which included an apartment in Dublin, has been valued at around £4.3million. The musician had been receiving hospital treatment since June. Shane’s widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, 57, said: “I very much feel him with me. I feel him around me.”

Shane MacGowan's fortune as figures show how much he made from Christmas classic qhiqqhiqtdiqzinvKirsty MacColl with Shane MacGowan who died last month at the age of 65 (Daily Record)

She said the “hardest part” was hearing his music, but added: “I can’t help but be grateful. It’s wonderful that he managed to achieve that in his lifetime – to have a song people sing in churches and choirs. This morning, I got sent a male voice choir singing it and I think it’s fantastic.”

Shane MacGowan's fortune as figures show how much he made from Christmas classicShane MacGowan performing with The Pogues (PA)

Victoria said Shane wouldn’t be bothered about Wham! beating him to the No.1 spot with their 80s hit, Last Christmas. She added: “He appreciated that people love the song.”

Tom Bryant

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