4 days ago
9
The album takes its title from a project MacGowan himself had long envisioned but never realised and proceeds from the album will benefit the Dublin Simon Community, a charity supporting people experiencing homelessness.
The record features interpretations of MacGowan’s work by a sprawling cast including Springsteen, Tom Waits, Primal Scream, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Libertines, The Murder Capital, Hozier with Jessie Buckley, Glen Hansard, David Gray, Damien Dempsey, Lisa O’Neill, Imelda May with Johnny Depp, Steve Earle, Dropkick Murphys, The Pogues and Kate Moss.
Springsteen has also contributed a short essay reflecting on MacGowan’s impact, in which he describes the songwriter’s voice as “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.”
Read the full essay below:
“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.”
MacGowan had a longstanding connection with the Dublin Simon Community; his final live performance took place at its Christmas Eve Busk in 2021. Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, explains that the funds raised would support “client development, supports that help to build resilience, dignity and confidence. Many of these initiatives focus on creativity and community, including music, as a powerful way to support people on their journey out of homelessness.”
Fifty per cent of artist royalties from the release will be donated to the charity. More names involved are expected to be announced too.
English (US) · 