'The Pogues' guitarist Phil Chevron has died after a battle with cancer. The 55-year-old was diagnosed with the illness a number of years ago.

A short statement posted by the band on Twitter said the group was sad to say Philip has passed away peacefully.

After his recent illness we are so sad to say dear Philip passed away peacefully this morning. We send our sincere condolences to his family

— The Pogues (@poguesofficial) October 8, 2013

Chevron took over as the band's guitarist after joining the band on a short-term basis in 1984. He also played the banjo and mandolin on Pogues recordings.

In 2007, it was announced that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer.

In April 2012, it was reported that he had recovered. However in May of this year it was revealed that the cancer had returned and that it was inoperable.

He grew up in Santry in north Dublin and was viewed as a pivotal figure in the Irish music scene.