Bob Dylan paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Shane MacGowan with a moving cover of “A Rainy Night in Soho” during his Dublin show on November 25th. The performance at the 3Arena marked only the second time Dylan has played the Pogues classic live, having first performed it in May at the Outlaw Music Festival in Phoenix, Arizona. Dylan concluded the European leg of his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour with this touching homage.
Victoria Mary Clarke, MacGowan’s widow, took to X to express her gratitude, writing, “I’m so grateful to Bob Dylan for honouring Shane MacGowan tonight at the 3Arena Dublin with a most exquisite cover of Rainy Night in Soho on the eve of our wedding anniversary.” Later, she shared an audio recording of the performance, calling Dylan’s rendition “so beautiful” and describing it as a special anniversary gift.
Dylan’s respect for MacGowan isn’t new. During his last Dublin visit in November 2022, he paid tribute to MacGowan on stage, noting that he loves “Fairytale of New York” and listens to it every Christmas. In 2017, Dylan personally invited MacGowan to his hotel during a Dublin tour. Joey Cashman, MacGowan’s manager, recalled, “Dylan had his people get in contact and Shane was reluctant because he wasn’t feeling well, but then he decided he wanted to go. We went to the hotel, let reception know Shane had arrived, and Bob was downstairs within ten minutes. So we had a meal in his hotel—it turned into a late one.”
This performance comes just days before November 30th, which will mark two years since MacGowan’s tragic passing at the age of 65 due to pneumonia. Dylan’s homage underscores the enduring influence and legacy of the legendary Pogues frontman.
