Shane McGowan, late leader of Irish folk-rock favorites The Pogues, became a legend in many ways, from his music to his lifestyle. Now, some of the biggest names in music have assembled to make a tribute album, covering McGowan’s songs. With a title of 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan is due out November 13th, 2026, via Rubyworks.
20th Century Paddy will be released as three LPs and two CDs, and each version contains a 56-page book of liner notes and memorabilia. Pre-order 20th Century Paddy here.
Among the artists covering McGowan’s music stand out the names of Bruce Springsteen, Dropkick Murphys, Tom Waits, Steve Earle, Hozier, actress Jessie Buckley, Primal Scream, Kate Moss, Glen Hansard, The Libertines, Johnny Depp and Imelda May.
According to a press release, 20th Century Paddy is actually “an album Shane had always wanted to make himself.”
The record, which describes its contributors as a “wide-ranging mix of icons and contemporary disruptors,” is ultimately “a sonic love letter to a catalogue that shaped generations.” While defining said legacy could be difficult, Victoria Mary Clarke (a writer and MacGowan’s long-time partner, who co-organized the collection) said the album exemplifies the ideas of family and community that were near and dear to the roguish crooner.
“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,” Clarke said.
