A tribute album to The Pogues‘ late frontman Shane MacGowan has been announced featuring Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Depp, The Libertines, Tom Waits, Primal Scream and many more.
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‘20th Century Paddy – The Songs Of Shane MacGowan’, is a collection of Pogues songs the late frontman “wanted to make himself”, according to a press release.
It is set to drop on November 13 on vinyl and digitally and is available for pre-order here. A limited edition deluxe bookpack featuring 3LPs, 2CDs and a 56-page book of memorabilia and liner notes will also be made available.
The first taster from the record, a reimagined version of the classic Pogues hit ‘A Rainy Night In Soho’ performed by Bruce Springsteen, has been shared today (March 12). You can listen to it below.
Springsteen said of MacGowan: “Shane was all naked bottomless humanity. Threatening to force us to ask ourselves if we were living deeply, authentically. He was raw, hilarious, no apologies and profound. His soul was filled with the transgressive and ecstatic properties of the saints.”
He previously covered the track during his tour of Ireland in 2024. The year before Springsteen made a surprise visit to the late frontman ahead of his shows in Ireland.
Following MacGowan’s death he also wrote a touching tribute to The Pogues legend.
Other artists set to feature on the record include the likes of Dropkick Murphys, Hozier, David Gray, The Jesus And Mary Chain, The Murder Capital, Kate Moss and many more. You can see the full list of contributors so far below.
Victoria Mary Clarke, MacGowan’s wife and the driving force behind the project, said: “Shane’s spirit and songwriting are eternally exalted through this glorious collection.
“Each song is uniquely and graciously interpreted by these beyond beautiful artists, and his family are humbled by and thankful to each and every one of the musicians involved, to the delightful team at Rubyworks, and to John Kennedy, without whom this would not have happened.”
MacGowan passed away, dying “peacefully” in hospital from pneumonia on November 30, 2023. He was 65 years-old and his funeral took place in Nenagh, County Tipperary on December 8 that year.
Fifty per cent of artist royalties from the project will be donated to Dublin Simon Community to provide lifesaving housing and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness.
“Shane MacGowan was a long‑time supporter of our work and it is because of this enduring connection that proceeds from the new tribute album will go to helping Dublin Simon Community support people who are homeless today,” said Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community.
“Shane’s empathy for people sleeping rough in Dublin was well known; he never hesitated to stop, acknowledge, and share a moment with someone on the street.”
Meanwhile, the remaining members of The Pogues announced a UK and European ‘Greatest Hits’ tour, taking place this winter yesterday (March 11). Visit here for tickets and more information.
News of the new tour comes after tributes were paid following the passing of drummer, Andrew ‘The Clobberer’ Ranken last month.
He was a founding member of the iconic folk group, helping bring the first line-up together in 1983. He acted as the drummer for the band in all of their studio albums and live shows up until their first hiatus in 1996.
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