A star-studded tribute to Shane

In his column, which he describes as a ‘stramash in the goalmouth of Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ the celebrated songwriter, producer and manager, JOHN McLAUGHLIN, shares with us his insights into the music and entertainment world.

THIS month’s feature is a very special one for me, because I’m thrilled to announce that 20th Century Paddy: A Star-Studded Tribute to Shane MacGowan will be released in November of this year. The album features some of the world’s biggest artists from Bruce Springsteen to The Libertines and to say I was flabbergasted to get the call asking my band—Johnny Mac And The Faithful—to contribute to the album left me speechless, which trust me, never happens!

It is a complete honour. Shane was a true genius and friend. He was a songwriter whose words and melodies have meant everything to us lovers of Celtic punk rock for years. To be a small part of this album—sitting alongside so many remarkable artists—feels like a massive privilege.

Love letter

20th Century Paddy: The Songs of Shane MacGowan is a sonic love letter to a catalogue that shaped generations. The album features a wide-ranging mix of icons and contemporary disruptors, each bringing a unique perspective to the tracks that defined Shane MacGowan’s career.

The album is the brainchild of Shane’s wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, and independent record label, Rubyworks, which is based in Dublin.

“Shane’s spirit and songwriting are eternally exalted through this glorious collection,” Victoria Mary Clarke said. “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.”

Niall Muckian of Rubyworks added: “Rubyworks is honored that Victoria Mary Clarke and John Kennedy have asked us to partner in preserving Shane MacGowan’s unparalleled artistic legacy. As a songwriter, Shane redefined the landscape for generations of artists; it is a privilege to provide a home for this work and ensure his poetic voice continues to reach audiences around the world.”

Release

Set for release on November 13, it is shaping up to be something special. Bruce Springsteen leads the way with his version of A Rainy Night in Soho, the first single that’s already being hailed a masterpiece and is such a beautiful version of this modern-day classic. Tom Waits—who hasn’t released much new material in years—is onboard too. Then you’ve got Irish heavyweights like Hozier and recent Oscar winner Jessie Buckley, Glen Hansard, Damien Dempsey, David Gray, Steve Earle, The Dropkick Murphys and The Pogues themselves.

Add in names like Johnny Depp and Imelda May, Primal Scream, The Libertines, The Murder Capital, Lisa O’Neill, LYRA, Moya Brennan, Mundy and many more, and it’s a proper global gathering. The lineup spans rock legends, folk icons, and rising Irish talent, all paying respect to one man’s extraordinary catalogue.

Words from The Boss

“Every once in a while, every once in a great while an artist comes along whose voice seems to speak to history itself,” Bruce Springsteen enthused. “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 humour 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.”

Charity

Half the royalties from the new album are going to the Dublin Simon Community, who provide life- saving housing and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness. This feels just right.

“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 the Dublin Simon Community support people who are homeless today,” Catherine Kenny, CEO of the Dublin Simon Community, said. “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.

“In 2021, Shane performed at the Christmas Eve Busk, which turned out to be his last live performance before he passed away. Since then, one of his songs has been played at the busk each year in tribute to him.

“The funds raised from the tribute album will support Dublin Simon’s client development, supports that help to build resilience, dignity and confidence. Many of these initiatives focus on creativity and community, including music, as a powerful way to support people on their journey out of homelessness.”

A life less ordinary

Born on Christmas Day 1957, Shane MacGowan rose from a rebellious youth in London and Tipperary to become a punk icon and ‘face.’After blazing a trail with his band The Nips, he founded Poguemahone—later The Pogues—blending Irish roots with raw energy and sensitivity to create hits like Fairytale of New York and A Rainy Night in Soho.

After The Pogues, he pursued solo projects including a book of his art and a series of high-profile collaborations with artists like Nick Cave and Johnny Depp and Sinéad O’Connor. With his new band The Popes, Shane continued to deliver the same passion, power and commitment to celebrating the culture and traditions of his beloved Ireland that first propelled him to international stardom.

For anyone who grew up with Shane’s music, this record is going to mean a lot. I’m just glad to be one small voice among so many brilliant ones.

I think Shane was a major factor in making Irish traditional music cool again. Dare I say it, he flew the flag for all things Irish especially throughout the 1980s in London when that was a difficult time to show and be proud of your Irish roots.

From all of us, God bless you, Shane MacGowan.