Credit: Max James Photography
Glasgow singer and songwriter John McLaughlin joined Sir Rod Stewart in London for the launch of a new tribute album to late Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan.
The pair were among those celebrating the release of 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan, which features an international line-up of musicians including Bruce Springsteen, U2, Tom Waits, Primal Scream and The Jesus and Mary Chain.
The official launch event was held at the London Irish Centre on Wednesday 11 November, ahead of the album’s release today.
McLaughlin, who fronts Johnny Mac and The Faithful, contributes a live version of The Pogues favourite Fiesta, recorded during a performance in Glasgow.
The musician, who grew up in Milton, North Glasgow, was a friend of MacGowan and worked with him on several recordings after the pair first met through their shared love of Celtic Football Club.
McLaughlin originally invited the Irish singer to Glasgow to contribute to a recording celebrating Celtic’s Lisbon Lions. MacGowan subsequently performed at Celtic Park, beginning a friendship that continued until his death in November 2023.
The Glasgow songwriter has also enjoyed a long association with Rod Stewart, co-writing the song Julia for his 2018 album Blood Red Roses. Johnny Mac and The Faithful have toured extensively with the Scottish rock star.
Other Scottish musicians were involved in the new album.
Primal Scream, fronted by Glasgow-born Bobby Gillespie, have recorded a version of A Pair of Brown Eyes, while East Kilbride band The Jesus and Mary Chain perform I’ll Be Your Handbag.
The latter song has an interesting history. MacGowan originally wrote it with The Jesus and Mary Chain in mind in the early 1990s before recording it himself for his 1994 album The Snake.
Other recordings include Springsteen’s version of A Rainy Night in Soho, a duet between Hozier and Jessie Buckley on Fairytale of New York, and U2’s interpretation of Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.
Johnny Depp joins Imelda May on Haunted, while Kate Moss, Bob Geldof, Steve Earle, The Libertines and surviving members of The Pogues also feature.
The 36-track collection was developed by MacGowan’s wife Victoria Mary Clarke in partnership with Irish record label Rubyworks.
Its title was inspired by a project MacGowan had wanted to make himself.
McLaughlin has continued to celebrate his friend’s music through his touring production For the Love of Shane MacGowan, which combines performances of Pogues songs with memories of their friendship.
The Scottish connection to the project will continue next week when a special Glasgow album launch takes place at new bar Apostel on the Gallowgate on Wednesday 18 November.
At least half of the artists’ royalties from the album will be donated to Dublin Simon Community, which supports people experiencing homelessness.
Shane MacGowan died on 30 November 2023, aged 65.