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Philip Chevron, who played guitar for the Pogues, has died at the age of 56. He had been treated for head and neck cancer in 2007 and was given a clean bill of health in April 2012. A new tumour appeared in August 2012, however, and was deemed inoperable. He died on Tuesday morning.

Chevron joined the Pogues following the release of their debut album, Red Roses for Me, initially on a temporary basis. He was a full-time member by the time they recorded their second album, Rum, Sodomy and the Lash. Although the Pogues' songwriting was dominated by Shane MacGowan, Chevron contributed one of the band's best-loved songs, Thousands Are Sailing.

In 1976, Chevron had founded one of Ireland's first punk bands, the Radiators from Space. Their songs were later covered by folk singers including Christy Moore and Mary Coughlan.

In a message on their website, the Pogues sent condolences to Chevron's family.