U2 Cover The Pogues for Shane MacGowan Tribute Album
U2 have released a cover of The Pogues' 1989 track "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah," the latest preview track from the Shane MacGowan tribute album 20th Century Paddy – The Songs Of Shane MacGowan. The record was announced in March and is set for release on November 13 (year not specified in the source), led by MacGowan's widow Victoria Mary Clarke in partnership with label Rubyworks and John Kennedy. According to NME, this is the third advance track released from the project, following contributions from Bruce Springsteen and Dropkick Murphys.
Release details
- Album: 20th Century Paddy – The Songs Of Shane MacGowan
- Release date: November 13 (year not specified in the source)
- Formats: digital release; limited physical editions include 3LP and 2CD sets with a 56-page memorial booklet and liner notes
- Charity: half of artist royalties go to the Dublin Simon Community, supporting housing and medical services for homeless people
According to the official press release, song selections were drawn from a list MacGowan reportedly wanted to record himself before his death. Previously released advance tracks include Bruce Springsteen's version of "A Rainy Night In Soho," unveiled in March, and Dropkick Murphys' cover of "The Body Of An American."
Who else is on the album
- U2
- Bruce Springsteen
- Johnny Depp
- The Libertines
- Tom Waits
- Primal Scream
- Hozier
- David Gray
- The Jesus and Mary Chain
- The Murder Capital
- Kate Moss
- Jessie Buckley
- Glen Hansard
Organizers say the full artist lineup will continue to be announced. In a statement, Clarke thanked all participating musicians as well as the Rubyworks team and John Kennedy.
U2 and MacGowan's history
U2 guitarist The Edge described MacGowan in a statement as full of contradictions, quoting Oscar Wilde's line that "a mask tells us more than a face." He also noted that MacGowan's accent and posture placed himself within a lineage running from pub storytellers to the punk stage.
The two acts share a long history: U2 joined Johnny Depp on stage to perform "A Rainy Night In Soho" at MacGowan's 60th birthday concert in 2018, and added the song to their setlist during their Las Vegas Sphere residency in 2023 after news broke of MacGowan's death. MacGowan died in hospital in November 2023 from pneumonia at age 65; his funeral was held on December 8 of that year in Nenagh, County Tipperary.