Victoria Mary Clarke joins Paul Cashmere at Noise11 to discuss 20th Century Paddy: The Songs Of Shane MacGowan, the extraordinary 36-track tribute album celebrating the songwriting legacy of her late husband, Shane MacGowan, the legendary frontman of The Pogues.
Released on 13 November 2026, the collection brings together an extraordinary international lineup, including Bruce Springsteen, U2, Tom Waits, Hozier, Jessie Buckley, Primal Scream, The Libertines, Steve Earle, Dropkick Murphys, Johnny Depp, Imelda May, Kate Moss and many more.
In this revealing interview, Victoria explains how the project began with the music performed at Shane’s funeral and developed into an ambitious collection of new interpretations of his songs.
She discusses Bruce Springsteen choosing “A Rainy Night In Soho”, Tom Waits making “Summer In Siam” his own, and why Hozier and Jessie Buckley were such a natural choice for “Fairytale Of New York”.
Victoria also reveals how artists selected their own songs, why some musicians were reluctant to tackle “Fairytale Of New York”, and how Japanese Irish-music enthusiasts Pinch Of Snuff brought a different perspective to “Donegal Express”.
There is also a moving discussion about the late Glen Hansard, who was a close friend of Shane and Victoria, and his contribution to the album.
Victoria reflects on Shane’s extraordinary songwriting instincts, his constant flow of lyrics and melodies, his interest in Irish history and politics, and his deep empathy for homeless people and those living on society’s margins.
She also discusses The Croc Of Gold, the collection of Shane’s artwork and lyrics, the archival material included with the new album, and how working on 20th Century Paddy helped her navigate grief while keeping Shane’s music alive.
The album also supports the Dublin Simon Community, with 50% of artist royalties donated to the organisation.
Watch Paul Cashmere’s full conversation with Victoria Mary Clarke about Shane MacGowan, The Pogues, Irish music, songwriting and the making of 20th Century Paddy.
Songlist:
• Bruce Springsteen – A Rainy Night In Soho
• Hozier & Jessie Buckley – Fairytale Of New York
• The Libertines – Sayonara
• Picture This – Aisling
• Lyra – Streets Of Sorrow / Birmingham Six
• Madra Salach – Turkish Song Of The Damned
• Dropkick Murphys – The Body Of An American
• Amble – The Snake With The Eyes Of Garnet
• Liam Ó Maonlaí – The Broad Majestic Shannon
• Steve Earle – If I Should Fall From Grace With God
• Johnny Mac And The Faithful – Fiesta
• Tom Creagh – Paddy Public Enemy No.1
• U2 – Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
• The Pogues – Gabrielle
• Primal Scream – A Pair Of Brown Eyes
• Kingfishr – The Sunnyside Of The Street
• Mundy – Victoria (Feat. Colm Mac Con Iomaire)
• Pinch Of Snuff – Donegal Express
• David Gray – The Old Main Drag
• The Jesus And Mary Chain – I’ll Be Your Handbag
• The High Kings – Streams Of Whiskey
• David Keenan – The Sick Bed Of Cuchulainn
• Jimmy Artache – Usa
• Lisa Moorish & Another Day – Rain Street
• Garron Noone – White City
• Tom Waits – Summer In Siam
• Damien Dempsey – Sally Maclennane
• Moya Brennan – Mother Mo Chroi
• The Murder Capital – The Song With No Name
• Kate Moss – Lonesome Highway
• Johnny Depp & Imelda May – Haunted
• Lisa O’neill – Dark Streets Of London
• Bob Geldof – St John Of Gods
• Glen Hansard – Bottle Of Smoke
• Cronin – London You’re A Lady
• Camille O’Sullivan – You’re The One
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