Springsteen Reimagines Pogues' Classic: 'A Rainy Night in Soho' Gets New Life
Bruce Springsteen lends his voice to a reimagined version of "A Rainy Night in Soho" as part of a tribute album to the late Shane MacGowan of The Pogues.
Shane MacGowan may be gone, but his influence endures. A new, star-studded music project stands as a testament to his lasting legacy.
Announced on March 12th, 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan is a tribute album celebrating the iconic singer, songwriter, and frontman of The Pogues. The album promises a unique take on his timeless work.
Contributors to this collection include a diverse range of artists: Damien Dempsey, David Gray, Dropkick Murphys, Hozier, Johnny Depp, Tom Waits, and Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen kicks off the album with the first single, a reimagined version 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," Springsteen shares as "A Rainy Night in Soho" hits streaming platforms. "He was raw, hilarious, no apologies and profound. His soul was filled with the transgressive and ecstatic properties of the saints."
MacGowan passed away on Nov. 30, 2023, at the age of 65, following a period of ill health. He left behind a treasure trove of songs, his lyrics offering a glimpse into a gritty world, articulating the lives of working-class Irish immigrants, and the search for love and hope in a "dirty old town."
Born on Christmas Day 1957 in Kent, England, to Irish parents, MacGowan became a prominent figure in London’s punk scene. He went on to form The Pogues in the early '80s. The band blended Celtic, folk, and punk, earning a reputation for high-energy, often booze-soaked, live performances during a time dominated by New Wave, synth-pop, and big hair.
His talent was recognized with the prestigious Ivors Inspiration Award at the Ivor Novello Awards in 2018, celebrating his poetic songwriting and significant influence on his peers.
Perhaps fittingly, MacGowan passed away in the weeks leading up to Christmas, the season when The Pogues' beloved holiday standard from 1987, "Fairytale of New York," sees heavy rotation, particularly in the U.K. and Ireland. The song remains one of the most popular songs never to have topped the U.K. chart, peaking at No. 2 and consistently re-entering the top 10 each December.
The late artist’s longtime partner, Irish journalist Victoria Mary Clarke, played a crucial role in assembling the 20th Century Paddy project, set to release on Nov. 13 through Rubyworks.
"Shane’s spirit and songwriting are eternally exalted through this glorious collection," she states. "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."
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As a songwriter, adds Rubyworks founder Niall Muckian, "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 album is available for pre-order, including a limited edition “Deluxe Bookpack” featuring 3LPs, 2CDs, and a 56-page book of memorabilia and liner notes.
With the release, 50% of artist royalties will be donated to Dublin Simon Community to provide lifesaving housing and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness. "Shane’s empathy for people sleeping rough in Dublin was well known," explains Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community. "He never hesitated to stop, acknowledge, and share a moment with someone on the street."
MacGowan was a long‑time supporter of the charity. In 2021, he performed at the Christmas Eve Busk, which turned out to be his last live performance. At every Busk since, explains Kenny, one of his songs has been played in tribute.
20th Century Paddy, reps say, is an album MacGowan had always wanted to make himself.
Stream Springsteen’s version of “A Rainy Night in Soho” and check out the artist lineup for 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan. Additional artists will be announced soon.
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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
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