DUBLIN— A posthumous tribute album honoring the late Shane MacGowan was announced Tuesday. The collection, titled Fairytale of New York: A Tribute to Shane MacGowan, will feature an eclectic lineup of artists. Bruce Springsteen leads the charge. He recorded a cover of MacGowan’s classic “A Rainy Night in Soho.” This marks Springsteen’s first foray into Irish folk music. Or at least, his first acknowledged one.
A Motley Crew Assembles
The album boasts an unusual roster of contributors. This includes rock legend Tom Waits. The Dropkick Murphys also lent their distinctive sound. Perhaps most surprisingly, supermodel Kate Moss is credited. Her contribution is listed as “vocal ambiance.” Sources close to the project suggest this refers to a cat’s purr. Johnny Depp is also slated to appear. He will reportedly perform a spoken-word rendition of a Pogues B-side. Glen Hansard rounds out the announced lineup. He is expected to offer a “soulful interpretation” of a MacGowan drinking song.
Industry Reaction and Future Plans
“It’s an honor to be part of this Shane MacGowan tribute,” said Bartholomew Quill, Official Pogue Archivist and Keeper of the Tin Whistle. “Shane’s legacy is vast. It deserves a diverse representation.” He added, “Though, I am still trying to confirm if Kate Moss’s cat has union representation.” The Shane MacGowan Estate expressed enthusiasm. They hope the album captures the spirit of the original artist. They also confirmed MacGowan’s family is suing the cat.
The album aims to celebrate MacGowan’s raw lyricism. It will explore his influence on music. Fans eagerly await the full tracklist. More surprising guests may be announced. This Shane MacGowan tribute is shaping up to be a cultural event. It promises to be as unpredictable as MacGowan himself. The album is due for release next spring. It is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.
At press time, organizers were reportedly searching for a kazoo player. They needed to fill a last-minute solo on a cover of “Dirty Old Town.”
