After making his Instagram debut in late 2020, Shane MacGowan has made the leap onto TikTok – launching his new account with a short video message to fans, which has already clocked up over 785,000 views.

"Welcome to Shane MacGowan on TikTok," the iconic singer, songwriter, musician and artist says in the video. "I hope you enjoy. God bless, Shane."

His TikTok account – which features the bio "Musician, Lover, Irishman" –  also includes videos of interviews with MacGowan, and snippets of both the music video and the Top of the Pops performance of The Pogues' classic track, 'Fairytale of New York', which was released 35 years ago this month.

Earlier this month, MacGowan launched his book of art, lyrics and writing, The Eternal Buzz and the Crock of Gold, with a special event in Ballsbridge, Dublin, which was attended by a number of high-profile names, including Gerry Adams, Peter Coonan, Brian Kennedy and Louis Walsh.

According to its official description, the book "presents a complete psychedelic collection of never-before-seen or published illustrations, drawings, lyrics, stories, snippets and secretions from the pen of Shane, dating back to his childhood, and journeying through six decades of punk and Irish revelry."

Copies of The Eternal Buzz and The Crock Of Gold are available on his website, starting at £1,000.

MacGowan initially came to international prominence as a the lead singer of The Pogues in the '80s. In addition to his work with the acclaimed band – releasing five studio albums – he also found success as a solo artist, as well as with his band The Popes.

You can follow Shane MacGowan on TikTok here.

@shanemacgowanofficial Hi TikTok #ShaneMacGowan #ThePogues #FairytaleOfNewYork ♬ original sound - Shane MacGowan