20th Century Paddy is a tribute album put together by Shane’s partner Victoria Mary Clarke and the Rubyworks label.
They’ve pulled together a big list of Shane’s peers, friends, inspirations and descendants to cover his songs with The Pogues and solo music.
Here’s who’s involved in the record, which will be released on November 13th 2026.
- Amble
- Bruce Springsteen
- Camille O’Sullivan
- Cronin
- Damien Dempsey
- David Gray
- Dropkick Murphys
- Garron Noone
- Glen Hansard
- Hozier & Jessie Buckley
- Johnny Depp & Imelda May
- Johnny Mac and The Faithful
- Kate Moss
- Liam Ó Maonlaí
- Lisa Moorish & Another Day
- Lisa O’Neill
- LYRA
- Madra Salach
- Moya Brennan
- Mundy
- Picture This
- Pinch of Snuff
- Primal Scream
- Steve Earle
- The High Kings
- The Jesus and Mary Chain
- The Libertines
- The Murder Capital
- The Pogues
- Tom Waits
50% of artist royalties will be donated to Dublin Simon Community to provide lifesaving housing and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness.
None other than The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen is first up on the release with a cover of ‘A Rainy Night In Soho’.
“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.” – Bruce Springsteen
‘20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan’ is scheduled for full release on 13th November 2026 and is available for pre-order HERE, including a limited edition Deluxe Bookpack featuring 3LPs, 2CDs & a 56-page book of memorabilia and liner notes.
“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, to the delightful team at Rubyworks, and to John Kennedy without whom this would not have happened” – Victoria Mary Clarke
“Rubyworks is honoured 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” – Niall Muckian, Rubyworks
“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 Dublin Simon Community support people who are homeless today. 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.” – Catherine Kenny, CEO, Dublin Simon Community
“Every once in a while, every once in a great while an artist comes along whose voice seems to speak to history itself. 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 humor 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.”
– Bruce Springsteen
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
