The 63rd Ivor Novello Awards honoured Shane MacGowan for his inspiring catalogue of songs, thanking him for sharing his songwriting gift over the years.

Shane received The Ivors Inspiration Award – in recognition of the power of his songwriting to inspire the creative talents of others. In announcing the award, The Ivors recognised that ‘…MacGowan – a unique musical force in all sorts of ways – is unusual in that his poetic work also influenced his peers, and even iconic stars whose careers preceded his’. The award was presented by actor Aidan Gillen.

Shane’s legacy of inspiring other songwriters is well documented, with The Clash’s Joe Strummer calling him “one of the best writers of the century” and Tom Waits declaring “Shane has the gift. I believe him. He knows how to tell a story”. Bob Geldof has said “The Pogues made great records and played great gigs, but the glory are the songs. This is what will last. Great words. Great music. Great art.”

The Ivor Novello Awards celebrate and reward excellence in British and Irish songwriting and composing. Presented and judged by music creators they represent the pinnacle of musical achievement and peer recognition. The event took place on Thursday 31st May at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London.

All photographs 2018 Mark Allan, courtesy of BASCA

The 63rd Ivor Novello Awards honoured Shane MacGowan for his inspiring catalogue of songs, thanking him for sharing his songwriting gift over the years.

Shane received The Ivors Inspiration Award – in recognition of the power of his songwriting to inspire the creative talents of others. In announcing the award, The Ivors recognised that ‘…MacGowan – a unique musical force in all sorts of ways – is unusual in that his poetic work also influenced his peers, and even iconic stars whose careers preceded his’. The award was presented by actor Aidan Gillen.

Shane’s legacy of inspiring other songwriters is well documented, with The Clash’s Joe Strummer calling him “one of the best writers of the century” and Tom Waits declaring “Shane has the gift. I believe him. He knows how to tell a story”. Bob Geldof has said “The Pogues made great records and played great gigs, but the glory are the songs. This is what will last. Great words. Great music. Great art.”

The Ivor Novello Awards celebrate and reward excellence in British and Irish songwriting and composing. Presented and judged by music creators they represent the pinnacle of musical achievement and peer recognition. The event took place on Thursday 31st May at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London.