At MacGowan's funeral, his widow Victoria reveals the late musician had a 'long conversation' with the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' actor before his passing.
- December 10, 2023
AceShowbiz - Shane MacGowan encouraged Johnny Depp to forgive Amber Heard, his widow has revealed. The late Pogues star sadly passed away aged 65 after battling pneumonia at his home on November 30 after months of battling ill health but on Friday, December 8, his wife Victoria Mary Clarke revealed that prior to his death, he had had a "long conversation" with Hollywood actor Johnny Depp and his ex-wife regarding their court case.
The "Pirates of the Caribbean" star was awarded over $10 million in damages after suing his ex-wife over an op-ed that she wrote in 2018 about being a victim of domestic violence but Shane had asked him to "forgive" his ex-wife for what she had done and Victoria gave a nod to Johnny, who was in attendance his memorial service.
Victoria said, "I mean, he just loved humanity and he believed that God is love. And ultimately, God is compassion and God is forgiveness. So Shane, although in the early days when I first met him, he was a little bit slow to forgive Brits... He kind of came around to it, you know? And he started to really, really, really forgive everybody everything immediately."
"And I hope you don't mind me saying this. But when Johnny (Depp) had a court case involving his ex-wife, Amber, and Shane had a long conversation with you didn't he, and urged you to forgive Amber, which I'm sure you have."
During the ceremony, Johnny himself read a prayer in honour of "The Fairytale of New York" singer - who had endured a long battle with drug and alcohol addiction - as he urged that others "reach out" to those around them who need help. He said, "May we feel the pain of others, understand their need and reach out to all who suffer in any way with a continuous love that is rooted in faith and peace."
The Pogues bassist Cait O'Riordan and musician John Francis Flynn performed "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day".
The masses lined Dublin's streets as The Pogues' beloved songs blasted out as the hearse made its way from St Lotts Road in Dublin City Centre through to Tipperary. The procession included a horse-drawn carriage, the Artane Band and a piper.
Rousing renditions of "A Pair of Brown Eyes" and "Dirty Old Town" could be heard on Dublin's southside, followed by the festive classic "Fairytale of New York". Shane's widow was seen putting on a brave face as she was pictured smiling in the funeral car.
A private cremation will follow the public mass.
