“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 (read full essay below)
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. 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. 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.
‘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
FULL BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN ESSAY
“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
