Listen: Bruce Springsteen sings Rainy Night in Soho on Shane MacGowan tribute album
Bruce Springsteen sings on the upcoming tribute album for Shane MacGowan
‘The Boss’ has recorded a poignant tribute to Shane MacGowan, as music legends unite to remember the late singer-songwriter, who died in 2023.
Bruce Springsteen has taken on the beloved track as part of an upcoming album release, which will also include performances from the likes of Johnny Depp, Kate Moss, and Jessie Buckley.
“Shane was all naked bottomless humanity. Threatening to force us to ask ourselves if we were living deeply, authentically,” Springsteen said.
“He was raw, hilarious, no apologies and profound. His soul was filled with the transgressive and ecstatic properties of the saints.”
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The US star recalled the last moments he shared with MacGowan.
“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.”
The long-awaited album’s name, is another nod to MacGowan, who wanted to make an album named
Half of artist royalties from the album will be donated to Dublin Simon Community. His last public performance was in 2021 at the Christmas Eve Busk in Dublin to raise funds for the charity, and since then, one of his songs has been played at the Busk each year in tribute to him.
“Shane MacGowan was a long‑time supporter of our work,” said Catherine Kenny, CEO, Dublin Simon Community.
“Shane’s empathy for people sleeping rough in Dublin was well known; he never hesitated to stop, acknowledge, and share a moment with someone on the street.”
Springsteen has previously paid tribute to MacGowan during his Irish converts, including a moving rendition of Rainy Night in Soho in Páirc Uí Chaoimh in May 2024.
MacGowan’s widow Victoria Mary Clarke worked with Rubyworks to produce the album.
“Shane’s spirit and songwriting are eternally exalted through this glorious collection, each song is uniquely and graciously interpreted by these beyond beautiful artists,” she said, adding that his family is “humbled by and thankful to” the musicians involved.
performed by Bruce Springsteen, is available now on all streaming platforms. will be released on November 13, 2026.
