SHANE MacGowan’s heartbroken wife has thanked Johnny Depp for his “incredible support” after Shane’s death.
Writer Victoria Mary Clarke issued a heartfelt expression of gratitude following the late Pogues icon’s sad passing.
Shane died aged 65 in the early hours of November 30 after an eight-year health battle.
Hollywood actor Johnny was a close friend of Shane’s and he was best man at the pair’s wedding when they tied the knot in 2018.
Victoria took to Instagram to share her “immense gratitude” to the US actor for all of his support.
Alongside a snap of Johnny, she wrote: “I just wanted to express my immense gratitude and appreciation to our great friend Johnny who has been such an incredible support to me since the death of @shanemacgowanofficial.
“True friendship is the most beautiful and precious gift you can have in life and it lifts your spirits to know that someone really has your back.
“And not just that, I think it’s a wonderful gift to feel seen and understood and cherished at a soul level by another human.
“It gives you a feeling that you are not alone in this world, you are connected and you are accepted and appreciated.
“The heart has a way of reaching out to people even without words maybe our hearts are telepathic and they are more eloquent than words can ever be.
“Whatever way it works it’s a mystery and it’s magical.
“Thank you for being a friend #JD! And Shane thanks you too.”
Victoria’s friends and fans all took to the comment section to share their love and support.
One fan wrote: “He is an amazing man we all love him and I’m glad you have him for support love and hugs to you Victoria.”
Ella said: “A true friend is someone who is there in the toughest of times, JD is a true friend, a forever friend.”
‘BEAUTIFUL’
Marty commented: “Aww you said it so well. I’m happy for you and Shane. I’m happy that he’s a sweet caring friend and he shall always be there for you.”
Jude said: “Aww this is just so beautiful. Johnny knows how to be a wonderful friend. Beautiful beautiful Johnny.”
Another added: “Oh i am so grateful to hear this. I knew he would have your back through this transition, but it’s so relieving to hear it from you. Yes, I absolutely believe our hearts are telepathic. And the more open they are, the easier it is to receive messages of support and love. Bless you both, and everyone in your corner.”
Pogues legends Spider Stacy and James Fearnley recently told of their regret about losing touch with Shane MacGowan in the years before his death.
Shane’s band pals shared fond memories of Celtic punk hero – but also their sadness that they were not closer at the end.
SADNESS LINGERS
Tin whistle player Spider, 65, said: “We’d see him when we’d go to Ireland, but it was difficult with him being immobile. I wish I’d seen more of him over the last few years.”
And James, 69, said he “hadn’t been in touch with Shane since the last reunion gig in 2014” but made peace with him in the weeks before he died.
The accordion ace explained: “While he was in hospital in November, I wrote to him.
“It turned out to be a thank you letter. I thanked him for taking me on as a guitar player with The Nips in 1980, though I didn’t know that I was auditioning for The Nips.
“The ad said, ‘name band’ and that made me curious. I was a bit disappointed that he turned out to be Shane O’Hooligan, this idiot who was going around the clubs and getting famous for mucking about.