Star-studded tribute album honors Shane MacGowan. Hear Bruce Springsteen's new take on "A Rainy Night in Soho" and more from Tom Waits, Hozier, The Pogues. O...
- March 22, 2026
AceShowbiz - More than two years following the passing of Shane MacGowan, the celebrated frontman of The Pogues, an impressive lineup of artists has united to honor his enduring influence on music. Among those participating in the tribute album 20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan are Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Hozier, Jessie Buckley, David Gray, Dropkick Murphy's, Primal Scream, Steve Earle, the Libertines, Jesus and Mary Chain, and the remaining members of The Pogues.
The album is scheduled for release on November 13, 2026, but fans can already experience Bruce Springsteen's new studio rendition of the 1986 Pogues classic "A Rainy Night in Soho" through a lyric video available now. Springsteen performed this song live three times during the E Street Band’s 2024 European tour stop in Ireland, highlighting its special significance.
Reflecting on the legacy of influential artists, Springsteen said, "Every once in a while, every once in a great while, an artist comes along whose voice seems to speak to history itself." He went on to name icons such as Woody Guthrie, Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, and Aretha Franklin, noting that these geniuses were both timeless and deeply connected to their era. Springsteen acknowledged that many of these artists, including MacGowan, lived complicated lives, marked by rebellion and personal challenges that shaped their creative brilliance.
This tribute album promises to celebrate the spirit and music of Shane MacGowan, bringing together a diverse group of musicians who have been inspired by his work. With a release set for late 2026, it offers a powerful testament to the lasting impact of one of folk-punk’s most distinctive voices.