Glen Hansard’s Posthumous Shane MacGowan Cover “Bottle of Smoke” Released: Stream
A previously unreleased cover by Glen Hansard of Shane MacGowan’s “Bottle of Smoke” has been released as a preview of a tribute album to the late Pogues singer. Recorded in October 2024, the performance carries added significance following Hansard’s death at 56 in July, and reflects the close friendship between the two musicians.
At least half of the tribute album’s artist royalties will go to the Dublin Simon Community, which supports people experiencing homelessness and was backed by both artists. The album, 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan, is due on 13 November and also features Bruce Springsteen, U2, Tom Waits and Hozier. Hansard helped establish Dublin’s annual Christmas Eve busking tradition, which the charity organises.
In short
- Glen Hansard’s posthumous MacGowan cover has been released.
- The tribute album is due on 13 November.
- At least half of artist royalties will support Dublin’s homeless community.
Explained simply
Shane MacGowan was the singer and songwriter of the Pogues, an Irish band known for combining punk rock with traditional Irish music. Glen Hansard was an Irish singer and songwriter who became friends with MacGowan and performed his song “Bottle of Smoke” for a tribute album.
The album brings together musicians including Bruce Springsteen, U2, Tom Waits and Hozier to perform MacGowan’s songs. At least half of the artists’ royalties will go to the Dublin Simon Community, a charity supporting people experiencing homelessness that both MacGowan and Hansard supported.