Victoria Mary Clarke and Rubyworks have today announced the forthcoming release of 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan, a landmark tribute album honouring the enduring legacy of one of Ireland’s most beloved and singular songwriters.

The album takes its name from a project Shane himself had always envisioned — a record he had long wanted to make — making it all the more poignant that it now exists as a collective act of love from the artists whose lives and music he shaped so profoundly.

Scheduled for full release on 13th November 2026, the album is available to pre-order now, including a limited edition Deluxe Bookpack featuring three LPs, two CDs, and a 56-page book of memorabilia and liner notes. To mark the announcement, the album’s first single — a reimagined version of the classic ‘A Rainy Night In Soho’, performed by Bruce Springsteen — is available now on all streaming platforms worldwide.

A Sonic Love Letter To A Defining Catalogue

20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan draws together an extraordinary cast of musicians, ranging from global icons to some of the most vital voices in contemporary music. Each artist brings their own distinct sensibility to the tracks that defined MacGowan’s career, resulting in an album that is as wide-ranging as it is deeply felt.

Victoria Mary Clarke, MacGowan’s wife and the driving force behind the project, described the collection with characteristic warmth: “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.”

Niall Muckian of Rubyworks echoed that sentiment: “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.”

The Artists

The album’s contributor list is nothing short of remarkable. Confirmed artists include Amble, Bruce Springsteen, Camille O’Sullivan, Cronin, Damien Dempsey, David Gray, Dropkick Murphys, Garron Noone, Glen Hansard, Hozier and Jessie Buckley, Johnny Depp and Imelda May, Johnny Mac And The Faithful, Kate Moss, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Lisa Moorish and 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, and Tom Waits.

Further artists to be announced.

Music With A Purpose

In a gesture entirely in keeping with MacGowan’s own compassion and humanity, 50% of artist royalties from the album will be donated to Dublin Simon Community, which provides lifesaving housing and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness.

Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, paid tribute to MacGowan’s long-standing connection to the cause: “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.

Bruce Springsteen On Shane MacGowan

Springsteen, whose recording of ‘A Rainy Night In Soho’ opens the album, contributed a deeply personal essay in tribute to MacGowan. In it, he places the Irishman firmly in the company of the greats:

“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 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.”

About Shane MacGowan

Born on Christmas Day 1957, Shane MacGowan rose from a rebellious youth split between London and Tipperary to become a punk icon and cultural touchstone. After blazing a trail with The Nips, he founded Poguemahone — later The Pogues — blending Irish roots music with raw energy and emotional honesty to create songs that would outlast him: ‘Fairytale Of New York’, ‘A Rainy Night In Soho’, and so many more.

After The Pogues, MacGowan pursued solo work, collaborated with artists including Nick Cave, Johnny Depp, and Sinéad O’Connor, and continued performing with his band The Popes — always in service of celebrating the culture and traditions of his beloved Ireland. He passed away in November 2023. His songs remain.

About Rubyworks

Rubyworks is an independent record label based in Dublin, Ireland. For over two decades, the label has championed original, world-class talent, building lasting careers for artists whose music resonates far beyond Ireland’s borders.

20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan is released 13th November 2026. Pre-orders are available now, HERE.