Pogues singer Shane MacGowan 'goes days without sleep'

Pogues singer Shane MacGowan has revealed he stays awake for a week at a time.

The frontman, known for his mammoth drinking sessions, said he goes for days at a time without rest before simply "crashing out" - and then starting all over again.

MacGowan, 52, is known for constantly punishing his body with years of heavy drinking, often appearing drunk on stage.

The hedonistic lifestyle during his 30-plus years as a musician has also led to his teeth rotting, which eventually saw him paying for expensive denture work last year.

In an interview with the new edition of Mojo magazine, the singer said: "I generally stay awake for about a week. I get catnaps, and then when I'm really exhausted I crash out for a good long while and carry on, you know what I mean?"

He made his revelation after being asked whether he found his songwriting came more easily at certain times, such as before bed.

"Maybe if I went to bed," he replied.

The Mojo interview took place during an all-night drinking session at his favourite pub in Nenagh, Tipperary, which ended at 7am.

Despite the beating he has given his body, MacGowan told interviewer Will Hodgkinson he was aiming for a long life.

He added: "What I'm interested in doing is having a great time, and the audience having a great time, and living as long as I possibly can."