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Phil Chevron
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Philip Chevron (born Philip Ryan, 17 June 1957, Dublin) is an Irish singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is most widely known as lead guitarist for the Shane MacGowan led punk/folk rock band, The Pogues.
In the late 1970s, Chevron was lead singer and founding member of short-lived punk rock outfit, The Radiators From Space, receiving much critical acclaim, albeit little widespread popularity or financial success. Following the break up of the band, he lived in London for a time, meeting and befriending Shane MacGowan through time spent working together at a record shop.
Following the release of the Pogues' 1984 debut album Red Roses For Me, he was invited to join the band on a short-term basis as cover for banjo player Jem Finer's paternity leave. He then took over as guitarist following MacGowan's decision to concentrate on singing - thereby becoming a full-time member of the band in time for the recording of second album, Rum, Sodomy And The Lash.
Although living somewhat in the shadow of Shane MacGowan during his time with the Pogues, and lacking the former's pitch-black sense of humour and distinctive vocal style, Chevron proved himself as a singer-songwriter in his own right, creating the popular ballads "Thousands are Sailing" and "Lorelei" amongst others.[citation needed]
Although primarily known as a guitarist, he is also a skilled player of the banjo and mandolin, as first demonstrated on the Pogues' third album, If I Should Fall from Grace with God. Chevron left the Pogues in 1994 following much-publicised problems with drugs and alcohol, though he still tours with the band on occasion.
In 2003, he reformed The Radiators (Plan 9) along with ex-Pogues bassist Cait O'Riordan and currently spends his time writing, touring and recording.
In recent years he has become, in effect, the Pogues' unofficial spokesperson and resident expert on the reclusive Shane MacGowan - frequently visiting online forums and directly answering questions from fans. In 2004, he personally oversaw the remastering and re-release of the Pogues' entire back catalogue on CD. He now tours regularly with The Pogues after a successful reunion tour in 2001.
In June 2007 it was announced on The Pogues' website that Chevron has been diagnosed with a strand of "locally advanced" throat cancer. Although remaining positive Chevron will not be taking part in The Pogues' summer tour or any upcoming Radiators from Space appearances. It is hoped that he will resume playing at the end of the year.
Chevron is an active member of the gay rights movement.