Watch HDToday. Shane MacGowan first came to prominence as the singer and principal songwriter of The Pogues, writing huge international hits such as "Fairytale Of New York" and "The Irish Rover". After splitting from the band in 1991 he reappeared with a new band, the Popes, who released their debut album "The Snake" in 1995. He remains an iconic figure in Irish music. Recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival on July 15, 1995.