POGUES star Peter "Spider" Stacy has lead tributes to lead singer Shane MacGowan after his death aged 65.

English musician Stacy co-founded The Pogues along with MacGowan, Jem Finer and James Fearnley back in the 1980s.

Frontman Shane, who had been battling viral encephalitis, died at 3am this morning, his devastated family confirmed.

Sharing an image of MacGowan performing on stage, Stacy wrote:"'O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done..'"

Replying to fans extending their condolences, Stacy added: "It’s s***, isn’t it."

Spider had visited MacGowan several times at St Vincent's Hospital in recent weeks.

MacGowan's wife Victoria Mary Clarke had earlier this month thanked Spider and Terry Woods for coming to see Shane, posting: "Just wanted to say a massive thanks to everyone who has been messaging me and ⁦Shane MacGowan and thank you ⁦Spider Stacy and Terry Woods for coming to visit him love and prayers for everyone who is struggling right now. Hang in there!"

MacGowan died "peacefully" at 3am this morning with his wife and family by his side after being discharged from Dublin's Vincent's Hospital last week.

MacGowan, best known worldwide for The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl's hit Christmas song Fairytale Of New York, had been due to celebrate his 66th birthday on Christmas Day.

A statement shared on behalf of his wife, his sister Siobhan and father, Maurice, on The Pogues' official Instagram said: "It is with the deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Shane MacGowan.

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"Shane died peacefully at 3am this morning with his wife Victoria and family by his side.

"Prayers and the last rites were read which gave comfort to his family.

"He is survived by his wife Victoria, his sister Siobhan and his father, Maurice, family and a large circle of friends.

"Further details will be announced shortly but the family ask for privacy at this very sad time."

It comes as..

• Legendary singer Shane MacGowan has died age 65
• Shane's loving wife paid tribute to her 'beautiful angel'
• The rock wildman defied critics who said he had ‘death wish’
• Fans have shared their heartbreak for the loss of the Irish frontman
• Last ever pic of the Pogues icon revealed

Irish President Michael D Higgins said there was "particular poignancy" that the death of MacGowan had followed closely after that of Sinead O'Connor.

He said: "Born on Christmas Day, there was perhaps some form of destiny which led Shane to writing Fairytale Of New York, the timeless quality of which will surely mean that it will be listened to every Christmas for the next century or more.

"Likewise songs like Rainy Night In Soho, A Pair Of Brown Eyes, If I Should Fall From Grace With God and so many others will live on far into the years and decades to come.

"I think too of Haunted, and the particular poignancy that both Shane and Sinead O'Connor have left us in such quick succession."

President Higgins added that it was a "great honour" for him to present the singer with a lifetime achievement award at the National Concert Hall in January 2018 to mark MacGowan's 60th birthday.

Folk legends The Wolfe Tones paid tribute to a "lyricist supreme".

The musicians said: "Shane MacGowan RIP, lyricist supreme, unbelievable talent, sincerest condolences to Victoria and Shane’s family and friends, Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

Derry Girls star Siobhan McSweeney said: "Shane was the voice of London for us Irish.

"When I was scared about moving here he lured me over with songs about chancers, drinkers, lovers, poets and scoundrels. That's the place for me, I thought!

"He also taught me how to miss home, whatever that may be. Damn shame, Shane."

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: "He was an amazing musician and artist. His songs beautifully captured the Irish experience, especially the experience of being Irish abroad."

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said MacGowan was an "iconic musician".

The Fianna Fail leader said: "Devastated by the passing of Shane MacGowan.

"An iconic musician talented in many genres, particularly influenced by his time in Tipperary.

"His passing is particularly poignant at this time of year as we listen to Fairytale Of New York – a song that resonates with all of us.

"My deepest sympathies to his wife Victoria Mary and all the MacGowan family."

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald described MacGowan as "a poet" who was unique in how he told "the Irish story".

She said that Ireland "has lost one of its most beloved icons and the world one of its greatest songwriters".

"Shane was a poet, a dreamer and a champion of social justice. He was a dedicated Republican and a proud Irishman.

"Nobody told the Irish story like Shane – stories of emigration, heartache, dislocation, redemption, love and joy.

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"Shane brought his musical unique style to all corners of the world, and his music will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

"Today we mourn his passing. He was one of the best of us."

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