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Jun 19, 2026

Dropkick Murphys honour Shane MacGowan with fierce new version of “The Body of an American”

The Boston, MA Celtic punk icons deliver a powerful homage to Shane MacGowan on the upcoming tribute album, “20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan”.

DUBLIN, IE – Dropkick Murphys have released their powerful single, “The Body of an American,” from the highly anticipated tribute album, “20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan”.

As the cultural descendants of the inspirations Shane MacGowan wrote about, the Boston born band delivers a powerful rendition of this Celtic punk classic. It represents a natural artistic handshake, drawing a direct correlation from Shane MacGowan’s London Irish streets to the docks of Quincy, Massachusetts.

Originally written by Shane MacGowan for The Pogues, “The Body of an American” is a masterpiece of contradictions. As Rolling Stone noted:“one of the realest songs ever written about immigration, also one of the best funeral songs, also one of the best drinking songs. But it’s also the realest song about leaving home and laughing it off, when you know in your heart you’ll never return and you’ll never get over the true love you left behind and you’ll never truly have a home again.”

The song tackles the fundamental friction felt deeply by Irish Americans. Forced from their homeland, they found vastly better prospects in the United States, cementing a fierce pride in their adopted country while maintaining a longing for the one they left behind.

Dropkick Murphys’ version leans heavily into the song’s rich, coded history and traditional storytelling. The track balances the poetic longing for “Amerikay” with the fierce rallying cry of “Erin go” short for Éirinn go Brách (Ireland Forever).

For Dropkick Murphys, covering this specific track isn’t just a tribute.

“Dropkick Murphys are honored to be a part of this Shane tribute.  Shane had a tremendous impact on the members of the band, individually and on the band as a whole.

Shane’s lyrics had such a dark, sometimes twisted, street level reality to them that it was more punk than a lot of punk.

It’s so cool to participate in this amazing tribute album, alongside such a diverse lineup of musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Hozier, and so many more all inspired by Shane MacGowan. 

The Body of an American is a Dropkick all time favorite and we’ve played it live throughout the years so to get to record it for this tribute was a dream come true.” – Ken Casey

“20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan” brings together a powerhouse lineup of artists to celebrate the late icon’s unparalleled songwriting. Dropkick Murphys’ “The Body of an American” is available now on all major streaming platforms.

New Single “The Body of an American” by Dropkick Murphys

New Single “The Body of an American” by Dropkick Murphys 

LISTEN HERE

“20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan” will be released on November 13, 2026.

Pre-order available now HERE, featuring a Limited Edition Deluxe Bookpack (3LPs, 2CDs, and a 60-page book of memorabilia and liner notes).

About Dropkick Murphys

Dropkick Murphys proudly remain Boston’s rock ‘n’ roll underdogs turned champions. Since 1996, the boys have created the kind of music that’s meant to be chanted at last call, in packed arenas, and during the fourth quarter, third period, or ninth inning of a comeback rally. Their celebrated discography includes four consecutive Billboard top 10 album debuts (Turn Up That Dial, 11 Short Stories Of Pain & Glory, Signed and Sealed in Blood, Going Out In Style), along with 2005’s Certified-Gold album The Warrior’s Code featuring the double platinum classic “I’m Shipping Up To Boston.” Whether you caught a legendary gig at The Rathskeller (The Rat) under Kenmore Square, found the band by taking the T to Newbury Comics to cop Do Or Die in ’98, discovered them in Martin Scorsese’s Academy Award winning The Departed, or saw ‘em throw down at Coachella (or one of hundreds of other festivals), you’ve become a part of their extended family. Dropkick Murphys’ music has generated half-a-billion streams, they’ve quietly moved 8 million-plus units worldwide and the band has sold out gigs on multiple continents. Dropkick Murphys’ official charity, The Claddagh Fund, has raised millions of dollars to support non-profit organizations that are focused on children, veterans and addiction recovery. In 2020, the band was one of the first to embrace streaming performances, starting with their Streaming Up From Boston St. Patrick’s Day virtual performance. It was followed by their landmark Streaming Outta Fenway livestream, which drew more than 5.9 million viewers and held the #3 spot on Pollstar’s “Top 2020 Live Streams” chart. Dropkick Murphys St. Patrick’s Day Stream 2021…Still Locked Down, was #1 on Pollstar’s Livestream chart for the week ending March 22, 2021, logging over 1 million views. Dropkick Murphys returned in 2022 with their first-ever all-acoustic album, This Machine Still Kills Fascists (Dummy Luck Music / Play It Again Sam), and a seated theater tour. This Machine Still Kills Fascists–and their follow-up album Okemah Rising–breathe musical life into mostly unpublished lyrics by the legendary Woody Guthrie, curated for the band by Woody’s daughter Nora Guthrie. Dropkick Murphys’ current album For The People rises to its moment: an expression of humanity at a time of relentless dehumanization, a promise of hope in an era fueled by fear-mongering, a declaration of solidarity in an age of disunion, a defiant rebuttal to the charlatans and demagogues who seek to divide us for their own power and profit.

May 28, 2026

Star Studded Lineup Confirmed for Shane MacGowan Tribute, ‘20th Century Paddy – The Songs Of Shane MacGowan’

Victoria Mary Clarke, in partnership with Rubyworks, has officially revealed the complete artist lineup and tracklist for this tribute. Joining the celebration are U2, Kingfishr, Bob Geldof, David Keenan, Jimmy Artache and Tom Creagh alongside a host of contemporary voices and famous figures honoring Shane MacGowan.

DUBLIN, IRELAND – Building on the momentum of its acclaimed lead singles, Victoria Mary Clarke and Rubyworks today announce the full artist roster and tracklist for 20th Century Paddy –  The Songs of Shane MacGowan. Arriving November 13, 2026, this landmark collection is a sonic love letter to a visionary who reshaped the landscape of Irish music.

Taking its title from a project Shane himself had long envisioned, the project brings together a sprawling assembly of defining voices. The collection builds on the success of Bruce Springsteen’s acclaimed “A Rainy Night in Soho” and the unforgettable Johnny Depp & Imelda May duet, “Haunted.” Now, with the addition of U2, Bob Geldof, Kingfishr, David Keenan, Jimmy Artache, and Tom Creagh, the full roster cements 20th Century Paddy – The Songs Of Shane MacGowan as a landmark moment for Irish music and one of the most ambitious tributes in recent memory.

A Cultural Landmark: Icons and Disruptors Unite

The lineup for 20th Century Paddy – The Songs Of Shane MacGowan reflects the brilliant world that Shane MacGowan inhabited. This isn’t a standard tribute, it’s a gathering of artists who share his musical DNA. From U2, Tom Waits, The Pogues and The Libertines to the wall of sound energy of The Jesus and Mary Chain and Primal Scream, the project finds a common thread between global icons and Ireland’s modern trailblazers including Hozier, Glen Hansard, Lisa O’Neill, Amble, and Kingfishr. Kate Moss joins the roster in a tribute to her longtime friend, rounding out a collection that honors the uncompromising language Shane MacGowan gave to Irish music.

This collection not only celebrates Shane’s genius but also acknowledges the undeniable magic of The Pogues, the legendary band that served as the perfect vessel for these timeless tracks.


The Tracklist: A Reimagined Legacy

The album navigates Shane MacGowan’s entire creative arc, moving from the high velocity punk of his early years to the haunting, literate depths of his later work. Victoria Mary Clarke and Rubyworks are now proud to unveil the full sequence of artists and the iconic songs they have chosen to interpret:

Amble – The Snake With the Eyes of Garnet

Bob Geldof – St. John Of Gods

Bruce Springsteen – A Rainy Night in Soho

Camille O’Sullivan – You’re The One

Cronin – London You’re A Lady

Damien Dempsey – Sally MacLennane

David Gray – The Old Main Drag

David Keenan – The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn

Dropkick Murphys – The Body of an American

Garron Noone – White City

Glen Hansard – Bottle of Smoke

Hozier & Jessie Buckley – Fairytale of New York

Jimmy Artache – USA

Johnny Mac and The Faithful – Fiesta

Johnny Depp & Imelda May – Haunted

Kate Moss – Lonesome Highway

Kingfishr – The Sunnyside of the Street 

Liam Ó Maonlaí – The Broad Majestic Shannon

Lisa Moorish & Another Day – Rain Street

Lisa O’Neill – Dark Streets of London

LYRA – Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six

Madra Salach – Turkish Song of the Damned

Moya Brennan – Mother Mo Chroi

Mundy – Victoria

Picture This – Aisling

Pinch of Snuff – Donegal Express

Primal Scream – A Pair of Brown Eyes

Steve Earle – If I Should Fall From Grace With God

The High Kings – Streams of Whiskey

The Jesus And Mary Chain – I’ll Be Your Handbag

The Libertines – Sayonara 

The Murder Capital – The Song With No Name

The Pogues – Gabrielle

Tom Creagh – Paddy Public Enemy No. 1

Tom Waits – Summer In Siam

U2 – Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

“It is not possible to say how much it means to me and to Shane’s family to have this extraordinary collection of his songs being sung in tribute to him, to his work and to Irish music.  When I first met Shane in the early 80’s he was inflamed with a powerful, passionate mission to bring Irish music, history and culture to the attention of the world through his songwriting.  It made him feel like the happiest man alive to know that he had achieved his mission, and that there were many more musicians who came after him and who seized that torch and lit fires with it in places that he had not even dreamed of.  Some of those younger artists are featured on this album, and I know that Shane is overjoyed to hear their beautiful and soulful renditions of his songs.  Also featured are artists who came before him, and who inspired him and artists that he worked with, artists who he loved and admired.  There are so many that it is not possible to mention them all by name but each and every contribution is unique and inspired and sublime and I thank these beautiful people from the very depths of my own soul.” – Victoria Mary Clarke


A Legacy of Giving

In the spirit of Shane’s lifelong advocacy for those most in need, at least 50% of artist royalties from the album will be donated to the Dublin Simon Community. This partnership honors Shane’s long standing connection to the organisation and his commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness.

Availability & Pre-Order

20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan arrives on all streaming platforms on November 13, 2026. The album will be available in 3 physical formats, headlined by a Limited Edition Deluxe Bookpack. This set includes 3 LPs, 2 CDs, and a 60 page book featuring rare memorabilia and liner notes. Pre-order available now HERE

Apr 24, 2026

Johnny Depp and Imelda May Join Forces for “Haunted” the New Single from ‘20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan’

Following the Global Success of Bruce Springsteen’s Opening Track ‘A Rainy Night in Soho’, the Second Single from the Star Studded Album ‘Haunted’ is Available Now

Victoria Mary Clarke and Rubyworks are proud to unveil the next chapter in the landmark tribute to one of music’s most storied poets. Available today on all streaming platforms, Johnny Depp and Imelda May deliver a breathtaking new interpretation of “Haunted”, the second single from the upcoming album 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan.

Powerful, ethereal, and unflinchingly honest, ‘Haunted’, originally penned for the Sid and Nancy soundtrack, the 1995 duet featuring Sinéad O’Connor transformed a ballad into a hauntingly beautiful anthem of eternal devotion. Following the passing of both artists in 2023, the song has become a story of friendship and artistic kinship.

“There are people you meet in life who carry something timeless in them — a kind of knowing. Imelda is one of those people. Making music with her has been one of my greatest joys.

Collaborating on ‘Haunted’ felt like more than just recording a song — it felt like honoring Shane and Sinéad, and everything they stood for. Two people who told the truth when the rest of us were still working up the courage. Shane was one of the greatest poets of his generation. His words have a way of cutting right through you — they did to us, and I think that’s exactly what you hear in the song.

And Sinéad, there was simply nobody like her. That voice, her courage, the refusal to be anything less than completely herself. You only experience talent like that once in a lifetime, if you’re lucky.

Losing them both felt like the world losing two of its most necessary voices.

This song found us both, I think, at exactly the right moment. I’m so happy it’s going out into the world. I hope it finds whoever needs it.” – Johnny Depp

Following the global momentum sparked by Bruce Springsteen’s lead single ‘A Rainy Night in Soho’. Together, Johnny Depp and Imelda May bring a raw, cinematic version of the track, further cementing the album’s mission to celebrate MacGowan’s songwriting.

“It’s such an honour to pay tribute to my beloved friends Shane MacGowan and Sinéad O’Connor soon after losing both precious souls in such a short space of time by singing Shane’s beautiful song ‘Haunted’ on this special album with my dear and incredibly talented friend Johnny Depp.

We recorded this duet before we knew of this tribute album as we were (and often are) overcome by the absolute brilliance of Shane’s writing.

He was a truly gifted poet, romantic treasure and literary genius who always wrote with such fine detail and purest truth that resonates deeply with every listen.

The dynamics of Shane and Sinéad’s voices dance like a dream around each other and the chemistry of their performance is everything…sweet, strong, sensual, honest, ridiculously cool and vibey as hell.

I always love singing with and being around Johnny. He has a radiance that shines from him, we sometimes call it magic but it’s a true connection to something way deeper which he gives his whole heart and life to.

I thank my lucky stars our eternally missed brother Jeff Beck brought our friendship together and thankful we could honour both Shane and Sinéad on this recording

Performing ‘Haunted’ with Johnny for both of our forever missed friends is filled with huge love, utmost respect and means so very, very much.

Thanks so much to Sinead’s producer and right hand man John Reynolds for recording my vocals using Sinead’s microphone.

Love Imelda x”

‘20th Century Paddy’

The album title, ‘20th Century Paddy – The Songs Of Shane MacGowan’, was a concept Shane MacGowan had long envisioned for himself. Now brought to life by his wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, and Rubyworks, the project serves as a sonic love letter from a diverse collective of legends and disruptors.

Impact Beyond the Music

In keeping with Shane’s lifelong empathy, 50% of artist royalties from the album will be donated to the Dublin Simon Community. These funds support lifesaving housing, healthcare, and development programs for people experiencing homelessness, a cause Shane championed until his final performance at the 2021 Christmas Eve Busk.

The Growing Lineup

The Johnny Depp and Imelda May collaboration is part of a massive roster of contributors for the full album release, including Bruce Springsteen, Hozier, Jessie Buckley, Tom Waits, The Libertines, The Murder Capital, Primal Scream, Lisa O’Neill, The Pogues and many more

New Single “Haunted” by Johnny Depp and Imelda May 

LISTEN HERE

‘20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan’ will be released on November 13, 2026.

Pre-order available now HERE, featuring a Limited Edition Deluxe Bookpack (3LPs, 2CDs, and a 56-page book of memorabilia and liner notes).

Mar 12, 2026

Music Legends and Rising Stars Unite for “20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan” the ultimate Tribute to Shane MacGowan

The First Single “A Rainy Night in Soho” by Bruce Springsteen Out Now, Artist List Revealed With More To Be Announced

LISTEN HERE

Dublin, Ireland. 12th March 2026. Today marks the official beginning of a landmark musical journey as Victoria Mary Clarke & Rubyworks announce the upcoming release of ‘20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan’, a tribute album honouring the everlasting legacy of Shane MacGowan. The name of the album was inspired by Shane as ‘20th Century Paddy’ is an album Shane had always wanted to make himself.

Coinciding with this announcement, the album’s first single, a reimagined version of the classic hit “A Rainy Night in Soho” performed by Bruce Springsteen, is available now on all streaming platforms worldwide. Watch the official lyric video for “A Rainy Night In Soho” below:

“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.” – Bruce Springsteen

A Reimagined Legacy

‘20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan’ is a sonic love letter to a catalogue that shaped generations. The album features a wide ranging mix of icons and contemporary disruptors, each bringing a unique perspective to the tracks that defined Shane MacGowan’s career.

“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” – Victoria Mary Clarke 

“Rubyworks is honored that Victoria Mary Clarke and John Kennedy have asked us to partner in preserving Shane MacGowan’s unparalleled artistic legacy. As a songwriter, 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” – Niall Muckian, Rubyworks

Supporting Dublin Simon Community

Honoring Shane MacGowan’s legacy, 50% of artist royalties will be donated to Dublin Simon Community to provide lifesaving housing and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness.

Shane MacGowan was a long‑time supporter of our work and it is because of this enduring connection that proceeds from the new tribute album will go to helping Dublin Simon Community support people who are homeless today. Shane’s empathy for people sleeping rough in Dublin was well known; he never hesitated to stop, acknowledge, and share a moment with someone on the street.

In 2021, Shane performed at the Christmas Eve Busk which turned out to be his last live performance before he passed away. Since then, one of his songs has been played at the Busk each year in tribute to him.

The funds raised from the tribute album will support Dublin Simon’s client development, supports that help to build resilience, dignity and confidence. Many of these initiatives focus on creativity and community, including music, as a powerful way to support people on their journey out of homelessness.” – Catherine Kenny, CEO, Dublin Simon Community

Artist Lineup Revealed

In addition to today’s single release, Victoria Mary Clarke & Rubyworks are thrilled to unveil the list of talent contributing to the project with more to be announced. 

The lineup includes:
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

“Every once in a while, every once in a great while an artist comes along whose voice seems to speak to history itself. Woody Guthrie, Jimmy Rogers, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Coltrane, Patti Smith, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, John Lydon, Hank Williams, Sinatra. Geniuses all, they were both timeless and the embodiment of their moment in time. Many, unsurprisingly, led difficult lives not easily bound by the shackles of convention. They were natural rebels unable to stifle or heed the impulses that led them to their glory and personal hardships. Great art is by nature lawless. We do not get to choose our obsessions. We do not get to dictate our blessings or our transgressions. It’s a little joke the gods play on us. 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 humor 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. I don’t know who’ll be listening to my music in 100 years but I know they’ll be listening to Shane’s. 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.”

– Bruce Springsteen

Availability

The first single from the album, “A Rainy Night in Soho”, is available on all streaming platforms. ‘20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan’ is scheduled for full release on 13th November 2026 and is available for pre-order HERE, including a limited edition Deluxe Bookpack featuring 3LPs, 2CDs & a 56-page book of memorabilia and liner notes.

Nov 30, 2023

SHANE MACGOWAN – 25 December 1957 – 30 November 2023

A statement on behalf of Shane MacGowan’s wife Victoria Mary Clarke, his sister Siobhan and father, Maurice.

It is with the deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our most beautiful, darling and dearly beloved SHANE MACGOWAN. Shane died peacefully at 3.30 am this morning (30 November, 2023) with his wife and sister by his side.
Prayers and the last rites were read during his passing.
He is survived by his wife Victoria, his sister Siobhan and his father, Maurice.
Further details will be announced shortly but the family ask for privacy at this very sad time.

Photo: Andy Catlin

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