A new announcement has set the stage for a major tribute to Shane MacGowan, with Bruce Springsteen releasing a version of A Rainy Night in Soho as the first preview. The song will appear on 20th Century Paddy: The Songs of Shane MacGowan, a tribute album scheduled for release on November 13.
Project organizers said the record brings together a wide group of artists to celebrate MacGowan’s songwriting and long reach across rock, folk, and Irish music. The album title also carries a personal connection, reflecting a name MacGowan had wanted to use for one of his own projects.
Springsteen’s contribution opens the campaign with one of the most loved songs from the Pogues catalog. The full album is expected to feature more than two dozen artists, including well-known names from both Ireland and beyond, all reworking songs tied to MacGowan’s legacy.
MacGowan, who died in 2023, remains one of the most distinctive songwriters of his generation. This release adds another formal tribute to a body of work that continues to resonate with musicians and listeners alike.