In late 2023, the music world was shaken by the death of the Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan. Now, Bruce Springsteen, the Jesus And Mary Chain, Primal Scream, and more are teaming up for a tribute album called 20th Century Paddy – The Songs Of Shane MacGowan, out in November.
The Boss' cover of the 1990 Hell's Ditch track "A Rainy Night In Soho" serves as the lead single. Springsteen covered that song at a 2024 show in Ireland, and Nick Cave sang it at MacGowan's funeral. Here's what Springsteen had to say about MacGowan:
Every once in a while, every once in a great while an artist comes along whose voice seems to speak to history itself. Woody Guthrie, Jimmy Rogers, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Coltrane, Patti Smith, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, John Lydon, Hank Williams, Sinatra. Geniuses all, they were both timeless and the embodiment of their moment in time. Many, unsurprisingly, led difficult lives not easily bound by the shackles of convention. They were natural rebels unable to stifle or heed the impulses that led them to their glory and personal hardships. Great art is by nature lawless. We do not get to choose our obsessions. We do not get to dictate our blessings or our transgressions. It’s a little joke the gods play on us. Shane’s voice was so deeply real, profane and honest, his writing so flashing, alive and historically rich its genesis appeared as a mystery to all including, I believe, its creator. The dangerous joy, the glee and courage, the humor in the face of fate, the wild ramble of a life driven towards the artistic heavens and the daily balm of self obliteration. 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. I don’t know who’ll be listening to my music in 100 years but I know they’ll be listening to Shane’s. Though I did not know Shane very well, I spent a lovely afternoon in his presence shortly before he passed. He was not well but he and his wife Victoria proved warm and gracious hosts. As I left, I thanked him for his beautiful work, his music, his songs, his life. I stood in his warmth, kissed him and told him I loved him.
Half of artist royalties from the album will be donated to Dublin Simon Community to provide lifesaving housing and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness. We don't have a tracklist yet, but other artists contributing include Amble, Camille O’Sullivan, Cronin, Damien Dempsey, David Gray, Dropkick Murphys, Garron Noone, Glen Hansard, Hozier and Jessie Buckley, Johnny Depp and Imelda May, Johnny Mac And The Faithful, Kate Moss, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Lisa Moorish and Another Day, Lisa O'Neill, LYRA, Madra Salach, Moya Brennan, Mundy, Picture This, Pinch Of Snuff, Steve Earle, the High Kings, the Libertines, the Murder Capital, Tom Waits, and of course the Pogues.
Springsteen previously performed "A Rainy Night In Soho" in 2024 in Ireland. Hear the version for the tribute album below.
20th Century Paddy – The Songs Of Shane MacGowan is out 11/13 via Rubyworks. Pre-order it here.
