Shane MacGowan: Johnny Depp and Bono take part in funeral - BBC News
Family and friends gather for the funeral Mass of The Pogues frontman, who died last month at the age of 65.
Nick Cave and Shane MacGowan on stage together in 1992 Image caption: Nick Cave and Shane MacGowan on stage together in 1992

Shane MacGowan’s music is the thread that binds this funeral service. Connecting the prayers and eulogies are some of his most beloved lyrics and melodies - many of which he’d previously requested at his 60th birthday party in Dublin five years ago.

Nick Cave played A Rainy Night In Soho, a beautiful ode to friends lost but not forgotten. Mundy and Camille O’Sullivan sang Haunted - a duet MacGowan originally recorded with Sinead O’Connor, another Irish musical rebel we sadly lost this year.

Most poignantly of all, Pogues musician Cait O’Riordan and contemporary Irish folk musician John Francis Flynn, will dedicate I'm a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day to MacGowan.

Although it wasn’t an autobiographical song, the lyrics about a “roving young fellow” who says “be easy and free when you’re drinking with me” couldn’t be more appropriate.

Bono, Bob Geldof Imelda May and Declan O’Rourke are also taking part in the service - an indication of how much Irish music owes to MacGowan, and what a vital life force we have lost.