U2 to feature on Shane MacGowan tribute album

The musical legacy of the late Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan is set to be honored through a wide-reaching tribute album, 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan. Scheduled for release on 13 November, the project assembles an eclectic mix of Irish and international artists tasked with reinterpreting the songwriter’s influential catalogue.

Did You Know? Johnny Depp, who features on the album alongside Imelda May with a cover of Haunted, served as the best man at Shane MacGowan’s 2018 wedding to Victoria Mary Clarke in Copenhagen.

A Star-Studded Celebration

The latest update from MacGowan’s official Instagram account confirms that U2 is among the acts joining the project. The band is slated to record a version of The Pogues’ 1988 single, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.

The roster of contributors continues to grow, with Bob Geldof confirmed to record St John Of Gods, while the group Kingfishr will take on Aisling. David Keenan is set to perform The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn. These artists join a previously announced lineup that includes Hozier and Jessie Buckley—who will perform Fairytale of New York—as well as The Libertines, Primal Scream, Tom Waits, Steve Earle, The Jesus and Mary Chain, David Gray, The Murder Capital, Glen Hansard, Damien Dempsey, The High Kings, and Camille O’Sullivan.

Expert Insight: The inclusion of such a diverse array of artists—from global icons to modern trailblazers—suggests that the album is designed to highlight the enduring impact of MacGowan’s songwriting. By dedicating at least 50% of artist royalties to the Dublin Simon Community, the project serves both as a creative tribute and a continuation of the singer’s long-standing connection to the charity.

Significance and Impact

Shane MacGowan, who died in November 2023 at the age of 65, was a transformative figure in music. Born in 1957 in Pembury, Kent, his work with The Pogues throughout the 1980s blended punk, folk, and traditional Irish music, effectively reshaping the landscape of Irish songwriting and earning the band widespread international acclaim.

As the release date approaches, fans may expect further details regarding the final tracklist. Given the breadth of the artist list, the album could serve as a definitive retrospective of MacGowan’s career, potentially introducing his complex, narrative-driven songwriting to a new generation of listeners.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the album be released?

20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan is due to be released on 13 November.

Frequently Asked Questions — Shane MacGowan Pogues

How will the royalties from the album be used?

At least 50% of the artist royalties generated by the album will be donated to the Dublin Simon Community, reflecting MacGowan’s long-standing association with the organization.

Which songs have already been released from the project?

Bruce Springsteen’s version of A Rainy Night in Soho has been released, as has the track Haunted, performed by Johnny Depp and Imelda May.

Which song from Shane MacGowan’s extensive catalogue are you most interested to hear reinterpreted by this diverse group of artists?