Johnny Depp and Bruce Springsteen lead star-studded Shane MacGowan tribute album
’20th Century Paddy — The Songs of Shane MacGowan’ is released in November
Johnny Depp and Bruce Springsteen playing guitar
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 12th Mar 2026
Hollywood Vampires’ Johnny Depp 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, Primal Scream, The Libertines, 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.
’20th Century Paddy — The Songs of Shane MacGowan’ LP
“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:
Ozzy Osbourne – The Prince of Darkness
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Chuck Schuldiner – The Godfather of Death Metal
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KISS – The Hottest Band in the World
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Chuck Berry – The Father of Rock and Roll, The King of Rock and Roll
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Tina Turner – The Queen of Rock and Roll
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David Bowie – The Chameleon of Rock, The Picasso of Pop
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Arthur Brown – The God of Hellfire
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Alice Cooper – The Godfather of Shock Rock
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Doro – The Metal Queen
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Eddie Van Halen – The Mozart of Rock Guitar
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John Bonham – The Beast
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Rob Halford – The Metal God
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John Lee Hooker – The King of the Blues
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Jim Morrison – The Lizard King
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B.B. King – The King of the Blues, The Mayor of Bluesville
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Neil Peart – The Professor
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Iggy Pop – The Godfather of Punk
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Elvis Presley – The King of Rock and Roll
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Paul Rodgers – The Voice
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Ronnie James Dio – The Voice of Metal
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Jerry Lee Lewis – The Killer
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Carl Perkins – The King of Rockabilly
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Little Richard – The Architect of Rock and Roll
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Dave Lombardo – The Godfather of Double Bass
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Robert Johnson – The Grandfather of Rock and Roll, The First Rock and Roll Star
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Joan Jett – The Godmother of Punk, The Queen of Rock and Roll
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Roy Orbison – The Caruso of Rock
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The Clash – The Only Band That Matters
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Bruce Springsteen – The Boss
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Sister Rosetta Tharpe – The Godmother of Rock and Roll
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Ritchie Valens – The King of Chicano Rock
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Paul Weller – The Modfather
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Aerosmith – America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band
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Tony Iommi – The Godfather of Heavy Metal
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Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax – The Big Four of Thrash Metal
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John Entwistle – Thunderfingers
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Rod Price – The Magician of Slide, Slide King of Rock and Roll
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The Beatles – The Fab Four
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The Rolling Stones – The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World
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Guns N’ Roses – The Most Dangerous Band in the World
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Peter Murphy – The Godfather of Goth
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Fats Domino – The Real King of Rock and Roll
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Lonnie Donegan – The King of Skiffle
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Bryan Ferry – The King of Cool
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Janis Joplin – The Queen of Rock and Roll
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Joey Ramone – The Godfather of Punk
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Ron Asheton – The Godfather of Punk Guitar
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Prince – The Artist
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