Shane MacGowan first came to prominence as the frontman and principal songwriter of The Pogues writing huge international hits such as Fairytale Of New York and The Irish Rover. After splitting from the band in 1991 he reappeared with a new band, The Popes, who released their debut album The Snake in 1995. He remains an iconic figure in Irish music.During the tour to support the release of their album, Shane and The Popes played the Montreux Jazz Festival on July 15, 1995.