‘I can only say I fell in love with him the second I met him’ The true story behind the 30-year friendship of Shane MacGowan and Johnny Depp

The funeral of Shane MacGowan, the iconic frontman of The Pogues, was marked by a poignant and star-studded mass in Tipperary on Friday, as renowned actor Johnny Depp paid his respects.

The Hollywood star, aged 60, was tasked with delivering one of the prayers of the faithful at the mass held at St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Nenagh.

MacGowan, famous for his role in the creation of the classic ‘Fairytale of New York,’ passed away on November 30 from pneumonia after an 8-year illness.

Upon arrival at the church, Johnny Depp, who wore a somber black suit, hat, and scarf, along with dark sunglasses, was greeted by hundreds of mourners. Earlier in the day thousands lined the streets of Dublin as his funeral cortege made its final journey home.

Johnny Depp saying goodbye to his friend Shane McGowan at the Funeral at St Mary’s Church, Nenagh, Co Tipperary on Friday. Photograph by Eamon Ward
Reflecting on his friendship with MacGowan, Depp shared a heartfelt anecdote, reminiscing about their initial encounter and the immediate connection he felt with the music legend.

In 2022 Depp said of how it all began after a chance meeting in a pub he said, ‘When I met Shane, he was negotiating a pool table, a drink in one hand a pint and a guitar in the other. He was teetering, balancing back and forth trying to negotiate which way to fall. I watched him do that for about 15 minutes. Then I was introduced to him, before he fell, and from that moment on, you just knew… there are moments in life when you know this will happen one time and one time only, when you get the opportunity to spend time with greatness.’

Expressing his admiration, Depp continued, ‘Having known him a long, long time, I can only say I fell in love with him the second I met him, and I’m still in love with him to this day.’ Depp also played a significant role in Shane MacGowan’s personal life, serenading him and his wife Victoria at their wedding in Copenhagen in 2018.

Acknowledging the enduring bond between the couple, Depp remarked, ‘His wife Victoria is a wonderful partner for Shane; they’re best friends, and I’ve seen that continue over these many years under all kinds of duress.’ Sharing a passion for music, Depp even played guitar during The Pogues’ 1994 Top of the Pops appearance.

The actor’s involvement extended beyond the stage, as he produced the 2020 documentary, ‘Crock of Gold – A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan,’ directed by Julien Temple. This film not only inspired a new wave of Pogues fans but also earned the special jury prize at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

Hollywood actor Johnny Depp is among those taking part in the funeral Mass for The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan. Hundreds of people gathered in the grounds of St Mary of the Rosary in Nenagh, County Tipperary, as the hearse arrived. His widow Victoria Mary Clarke said the cause of his death was pneumonia.

Notably, Depp received support from MacGowan and his wife during the actor’s 2022 defamation trial against Amber Heard. In an open letter, MacGowan expressed his unwavering support, stating, ‘Don’t even bother with people slandering you or lying about you. You’re a brilliant actor and a great musician, and you’ve got a huge fan base who all love you.’ The couple further conveyed their admiration for Depp in a heartfelt birthday message last June, celebrating his artistic contributions and unique spirit.

Johnny Depp saying goodbye to his friend Shane McGowan at the Funeral at St Mary’s Church, Nenagh, Co Tipperary on Friday. Photograph by Eamon Ward

The funeral of Shane MacGowan was not only a somber farewell to a musical legend but also a testament to the enduring friendship and mutual respect shared between MacGowan and Johnny Depp, that left an indelible mark on both their lives.