Darryl Hunt dead aged 72 – Pogues rocker who played bass on Fairytale of New York dies, devastated bandmates confirm
THE Pogues' legendary bass player has died at the age of 72, his bandmates confirmed today.
Darryl Hunt passed away yesterday afternoon, although the cause of his death has not yet been shared.
His devastated bandmates announced the news on social media, posting a black and white photo of Hunt holding a guitar case.
Alongside the post, they wrote: "We are saddened beyond words.
"Our Darryl passed away yesterday afternoon in London. Darryl Gatwick Hunt 04/05/1950 – 08/08/2022."
Adding lyrics from their song Love You ‘Till The End, written by Hunt, they then finished: "I know you want to hear me catch my breath. I love you till the end."
The musician, singer and songwriter was born in Hampshire, England in 1950.
Before he began playing bass in The Pogues in 1986, he was part of the pub rock band Plummet Airlines and The Favourites.
He was involved in the Celtic-inspired band’s subsequent work including their 1988 album If I Should Fall From Grace With God which featured the Christmas hit Fairytale Of New York.
Hunt featured in their material until their last album, Pogue Mahone, in 1996.
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He has writing credits on a number of their songs including Love You Til the End.
The band consisted of frontman Shane MacGowan, Jem Finer, James Fearnley, Andrew Ranken, Terry Woods, Hunt and other musicians throughout the years.
In his own tribute today, Shane described Darryl Hunt as a "great friend and a great bass player".
He wrote: "I am very very sorry that Darryl has passed on, he was a really nice guy and a great friend and a great bass player.
"We will all miss him.
"May he have a happy state of eternal bliss and bless his family and friends love Shane."
Spider Stacy added: "This is wretched. See you around the way, Daz. ‘It’s in the fridge' #TrickyTrees".
Fans also shared their shock online, with one writing: "Such sad news.
"Love You Till The End is up there with the best Pogues songs, and Darryl gave the band so much. My condolences to his friends and family. x"
Another said: "I thought Darryl was a class act on stage and off it.
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"I'll always be grateful to him for being part of so many wonderful memories and the soundtrack to my life."
A third added: "So sad to hear of Darryl Hunt passing. A Pogue and a truly brilliant bass player".
