Bruce Springsteen, The Libertines and Primal Scream for Shane MacGowan tribute LP

The Libertines, Primal Scream and Bruce Springsteen are among the big names confirmed for an upcoming Shane MacGowan tribute album.

The star-studded ‘20th Century Paddy — The Songs of Shane MacGowan’ LP will be released on Friday 13th November 2026 through Rubyworks three years after the death of The Pogues singer aged 65.

The album is the brainchild of Shane MacGowan’s widow Victoria Mary Clarke, and other confirmed contributors include acclaimed Irish actor Jessie Buckley, Tom Waits, Johnny Depp, Imelda May, David Gray, Dropkick Murphys, Glen Hansard, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Kate Moss, and Steve Earle.

Bruce Springsteen’s poignant cover of The Pogues’ 1986 song ‘A Rainy Night in Soho’ is the first single from the album, and you can take a listen here:

Praising Shane MacGowan, Bruce Springsteen said: “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.”

The Boss continued: “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.”

Victoria Mary Clark says of ‘20th Century Paddy’: “Shane’s spirit and songwriting are eternally exalted through this glorious collection. 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.”

Half of the artist royalties from the album will be donated to Dublin Simon Community, which provides housing and medical care for people experiencing homelessness.

The nicknames of famous rock stars, including Bruce Springsteen:

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