U2 cover Pogues’ ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah’ for Shane MacGowan tribute
When a musical legacy is honored, it often becomes a celebration of complexity, contradiction, and undeniable genius. The tribute to the late musician Shane MacGowan is proving to be exactly that: a magnificent, chaotic, and deeply moving collection of voices.
The project, titled 20th Century Paddy – The Songs Of Shane MacGowan, is not just an album; it is an excavation of the songs MacGowan wanted to create, offering a unique lens into the uncompromising spirit of the man himself. Set for release on November 13th, the collection promises a sonic journey that bridges decades and genres.
The soundtrack is already weaving itself with legendary names. Artists like Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Depp, The Libertines, Tom Waits, and Primal Scream are contributing their unique interpretations, alongside other remarkable talents such as Hozier, David Gray, The Jesus And Mary Chain, and The Murder Capital, among many others.
The story of MacGowan, a figure defined by sharp contradictions, is reflected in the music. U2 guitarist The Edge captured this essence, noting that MacGowan was “full of contradictions — and that’s where the truth of him lived.” He observed that MacGowan’s “crooked grin, the wildness, the old-Ireland inflections — they weren’t disguises so much as signals,” pointing to a voice that existed somewhere between the pub storyteller and the punk stage.
Victoria Mary Clarke, MacGowan’s wife and the driving force behind the tribute, described the project as a celebration of his enduring spirit, stating that the songs are “eternally exalted through this glorious collection.” She expressed profound gratitude to the musicians and the team for interpreting his work with such grace.
The connection between the musicians and the subject was deep. U2, for instance, shared a cover of The Pogues‘ 1989 track ‘Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah’ for the album, reflecting their long-standing friendship and shared history.
This tribute goes beyond artistry; it carries a vital social message. Half of all the artist royalties from the tribute album will be donated to the Dublin Simon Community, ensuring that the legacy of Shane MacGowan supports lifesaving housing and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness.
Shane MacGowan passed away in November 2023, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate. Through this stunning collaboration, the songs he loved continue to find new life, solidifying his place as an uncompromising, chaotic, and deeply beloved figure in music history.
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