'A wake for the whole country' - Late Late Show viewers react to Shane MacGowan tribute

Social media users have posted their reactions to the Late Late Show's tribute to legendary musician Shane MacGowan. 

MacGowan, who is best known as the lead vocalist and songwriter of 80s punk band The Pogues, died on Thursday (November 30) at the age of 65. 

The Late Late Show broadcast a touching homage to the rocker last night (Friday December 1), with one X user describing it as "like a wake for the whole country". 

The show opened with a cover of 'Rainy Night in Soho' by Glen Hansard and continued with various admirers and friends including actor Aidan Gillen and singers Moya Brennan, Liam Ó'Maonlaí, Camille O'Sullivan, and Steve Wickham. 

A viewer said, "This is what the Late Late Show is all about. Such profound tributes to a wonderful lost talent. A lovely unstructured conversation. Well done to all involved." 

Fans particularly praised host Patrick Kielty's for his introduction, with one viewer stating he has "the ability to reflect the views of a nation in a sincere, thoughtful and heartfelt way". 

Another X user said, "The lack of words from Patrick Kielty is actually masterful. It looks very simple but the knack is the interviewer has to realize the interview isn't about them , it's about guiding the conversation. And you don't have to say a lot yourself, let people speak." 

One viewer stated, "I don't know who writes Patrick Kieltys intros, maybe he does himself, but they are excellent in getting the balance right between addressing something, expressing how most of us feel and he just comes across as sincere." 

English band Take That also performed on the show, after which frontman Gary Barlow praised the "complete authenticity" of Shane MacGowan's songwriting.