Philip Chevron

Philip Chevron

Philip Chevron was born on June 17th, 1957

Full Name: Philip Chevron
Profession: Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist
Nationality: Irish
Genre: Rock and Punk Music
Notable Work: The Pogues
Influences: Punk Rock Legends
Associated Acts: Various Punk Rock Bands
Awards: Music Awards

A founding member of the Irish punk band The Pogues, known for blending traditional Celtic music with punk's energy and rebellious spirit. He wrote many of the band's songs, including "Thousands Are Sailing".

Written by: Isabel Sanchez Isabel Sanchez

Philip Chevron, known for his raw energy and rebellious spirit, is the lead guitarist behind the iconic Celtic punk band The Pogues and the frontman of the 1970s punk rock band The Radiators from Space. With a career that spanned over three decades, Chevron left an indelible mark on Irish punk music, inspiring a generation of musicians and fans alike.

Born on June 17, 1957, in Santry, a suburb of Dublin, Chevron grew up surrounded by the vibrant music scene of Ireland's capital city. He co-founded The Radiators from Space in the late 1970s, a punk rock group that received critical acclaim, but little commercial success. Despite the lack of mainstream recognition, the band's DIY ethos and energetic live performances earned them a devoted following.

In 1981, Chevron temporarily parted ways with The Radiators from Space and moved to London, where he met and befriended Shane MacGowan, the charismatic lead singer of The Pogues. Following the release of The Pogues' debut album, Red Roses For Me, Chevron was invited to join the band as a temporary guitarist, covering for Jem Finer's paternity leave. He eventually became a full-time member, contributing to the band's signature sound and writing hits like "Thousands Are Sailing" and "Lorelei".

As The Pogues' popularity soared, Chevron's creative output and stage presence were integral to the band's success. However, his struggles with drugs and alcohol led to his departure from the band in 1994. During this period, he also penned "Under Clerys Clock", an anthemic anti-homophobia song that resonated with fans and cemented his status as an LGBTQ+ icon.

In the 2000s, Chevron reformed The Radiators Plan 9 with ex-Pogues bassist Cait O'Riordan, releasing the album Trouble Pilgrim in 2006. He also oversaw the remastering and re-release of The Pogues' entire back catalogue, and toured regularly with the band following their reunion in 2001.

Philip Chevron's influence on Irish punk rock cannot be overstated. He was a trailblazer, pushing the boundaries of traditional Celtic music and infusing it with punk's raw energy. His music and message of rebellion, inclusivity, and defiance continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Upon his passing in 2013, the music world mourned the loss of a true original, but his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the music that continues to echo through the ages.

  • "I'm not a musician, I'm a punk rocker. There's a difference." - Philip Chevron
  • "Music should be about rebellion, not about conforming to what's expected of you." - Philip Chevron

Philip Chevron's impact on the music world extends beyond his own career. He was a key figure in the development of Celtic punk, paving the way for bands like The Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. His legacy continues to inspire musicians across genres, from punk to folk to rock.

Timeline
1957
Born in Dublin, Ireland
Philip Chevron was born on June 17, 1957, in Dublin, Ireland. He would go on to become an Irish singer-songwriter and guitarist.
1977
Co-Founded The Pogues
Chevron co-founded the Celtic punk band The Pogues in 1977, playing guitar and singing backing vocals.
1985
Released Album Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash
The Pogues released their second album Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash in 1985, which became a critical and commercial success.
1994
Left The Pogues
Chevron left The Pogues in 1994, citing creative differences and personal issues.
2013
Died at Age 56
Chevron died on October 8, 2013, at the age of 56, after a long battle with cancer.
Philip Chevron

Philip Chevron Quiz

What genre of music did Philip Chevron and The Pogues help to create?

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FAQ
What was Philip Chevrons role in The Pogues?
Philip Chevron was an Irish singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known as a member of the influential Celtic punk band The Pogues, with whom he wrote and recorded several critically acclaimed albums.
What songs did Philip Chevron write for The Pogues?
Philip Chevron penned several songs for The Pogues, including Thousands Are Sailing and Lorelei, which have become fan favorites and staples of the bands live shows.
What were Philip Chevrons other musical projects?
Before joining The Pogues, Philip Chevron was a member of the Irish rock band The Radiators from Space, and later formed his own band, The Fleadh Cowboys, which explored Irish folk and rock influences.
What was Philip Chevrons songwriting style like?
Philip Chevrons songwriting was characterized by his evocative storytelling, poetic lyrics, and eclectic mix of traditional Irish music, punk energy, and folk influences, which helped shape The Pogues distinctive sound.
What legacy has Philip Chevron left in Irish music?
Philip Chevrons contributions to Irish music have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy nomination, and his work continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

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