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Star-studded MacGowan tribute album gave grieving wife purpose
Victoria Mary Clarke says organising *20th Century Paddy*, a tribute album of Shane MacGowan’s songs, gave her purpose and comfort after her husband’s death. Released three years after MacGowan died, the record brings together artists who performed at his funeral and many others, celebrating his music and the connections it created.
The album contains 36 tracks, all written by MacGowan, performed by 40 bands and solo artists. Contributors include Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, U2, Hozier, The Libertines and The Pogues’ funeral performers; Glen Hansard and Moya Brennan also feature, having recorded their contributions before their deaths. MacGowan, best known as The Pogues’ frontman, died aged 65 in 2023 after being diagnosed with encephalitis.
In short
- Victoria Mary Clarke says the tribute album helped her through grief.
- *20th Century Paddy* features 36 MacGowan songs.
- Forty acts contributed, including Springsteen, U2 and Hozier.
Explained simply
Shane MacGowan was an Irish singer and songwriter, best known as the frontman of The Pogues, a band that blended punk with traditional Irish music. His songs often drew on Irish history, migration and everyday life, and became closely associated with the band’s sound.
MacGowan died aged 65 in 2023 after being diagnosed with encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. His wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, and the musicians who knew or admired his work are among those connected to the tribute album.
The record brings together artists from different generations and musical backgrounds to perform songs MacGowan wrote. It reflects the reach of his songwriting and the relationships formed through his music.