A major all-star tribute album celebrating the life and songwriting of Shane MacGowan has been announced, bringing together an impressive lineup of musicians and artists including Johnny Depp and Bruce Springsteen.
The record, titled 20th Century Paddy: The Songs of Shane MacGowan, will be released on November 13, 2026, nearly three years after MacGowan’s death in 2023 at the age of 65.
MacGowan was best known as the frontman and songwriter for The Pogues, a band that blended traditional Irish music with punk rock energy. His writing produced some of the most beloved songs in Celtic rock history, including classics like Fairytale of New York and A Rainy Night in Soho.
The upcoming album aims to celebrate that legacy by inviting artists from across rock, folk, and alternative music to reinterpret MacGowan’s songs.
The project was spearheaded by MacGowan’s widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, who helped bring together a diverse lineup of contributors to honor his songwriting.
Bruce Springsteen Releases First Single
The first track released from the album is Bruce Springsteen’s emotional cover of A Rainy Night in Soho.
Springsteen spoke passionately about MacGowan’s artistry and the impact of his music, describing his writing as deeply authentic and powerful.
He said MacGowan’s voice was “so deeply real, profane and honest,” and praised the way his songs felt “alive and historically rich.”
Springsteen also reflected on meeting MacGowan not long before his death, recalling how the singer and his wife warmly welcomed him despite MacGowan’s declining health.
The rock legend even suggested that MacGowan’s songs could endure for generations.
Springsteen said he wasn’t sure “who will listen to my music in 100 years,” but he believed people would still be listening to Shane’s.
A Powerful Lineup of Contributors
The tribute album features a wide range of artists performing their own interpretations of MacGowan’s music. Alongside Depp and Springsteen, the lineup includes:
- Tom Waits
- Primal Scream
- The Libertines
- Imelda May
- David Gray
- Dropkick Murphys
- Glen Hansard
- The Jesus and Mary Chain
- Steve Earle
- Kate Moss
- Jessie Buckley
Many of these artists had personal or musical connections to MacGowan and his work.
Honoring MacGowan’s Legacy
Victoria Mary Clarke praised the musicians for taking part in the project and helping preserve MacGowan’s legacy.
She said the album celebrates his songwriting and spirit, noting that each artist brings a unique interpretation to the songs while honoring their original emotional power.
The album also carries a charitable component. Half of the artists’ royalties will be donated to the Dublin Simon Community, a charity that provides housing and medical support to people experiencing homelessness.
A Lasting Influence
Shane MacGowan remains one of the most distinctive voices in Irish music history. Through his work with The Pogues, he helped shape a sound that fused punk attitude with traditional folk storytelling.
The upcoming tribute album aims to ensure that his music continues to inspire new listeners while reminding longtime fans why his songs remain so powerful decades later.
With artists like Johnny Depp, Bruce Springsteen, and many others lending their voices, 20th Century Paddy promises to be one of the most heartfelt musical tributes to MacGowan’s enduring legacy.
