Victoria Mary Clarke shares her delighted reaction to meeting Rod Stewart

Victoria Mary Clarke had a special guest to celebrate at a tribute to her late husband Shane MacGowan: music star Rod Stewart. Clarke shared a photograph of the pair after meeting him at the London Irish Centre, where a tribute album honouring the Pogues frontman was launched over the weekend. She described the encounter as an honour and said Stewart was even better-looking in person than she had imagined. Clarke also praised his sense of humour, while admitting she had fancied the singer since childhood. Her playful caption quickly drew attention from social media users, who responded warmly to the picture. One commenter noted that Stewart is a fan of the Pogues, adding a connection to the event’s celebration of MacGowan’s music. The album, titled “20th Century Paddy”, brings together artists to pay tribute to the late singer-songwriter, who died on November 30, 2023. Clarke also used the occasion to express gratitude to friends who have supported her through a difficult period. She named Michael and Johnny Cronin, John Barra, Fiachra Milner, Kieron Moyles and Chris Moyles, describing them as precious friends who helped lift her spirits after losing MacGowan. She said the group had also been close to her husband, and sent them love and thanks. The launch was therefore not only a musical tribute to the late Pogues frontman, but also a gathering that brought together Clarke, friends and fellow admirers of his work.