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Philip Chevron (born Philip Ryan - June 17th, 1957, Dublin) is an Irish singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is perhaps most widely known as lead guitarist for Shane MacGowan's 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 widespead popularity or financial success. Following the breakup 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.
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 From Space along with ex-Pogues bassist Cait O'Riordan and currently spends his time writing, touring and recording.
Trivia
Chevron is an active member of the gay rights movement.
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.
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