Bruce Springsteen is set to honour the late Shane MacGowan with a special tribute, releasing a cover of the iconic A Rainy Night in Soho this week.
The song, originally recorded by The Pogues, will be officially released on Thursday, March 12, as a heartfelt homage to MacGowan, who died in November 2023 at the age of 65.
The announcement was made by MacGowan’s widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, who shared the news on social media and revealed that Springsteen had recorded a moving version of the beloved track.
“Our very good friend Bruce has recorded a beautiful version of ‘A Rainy Night in Soho’. It’s a stunning tribute to Shane’s songwriting and it’s out on Thursday,” she wrote.
Springsteen has long admired MacGowan’s work and previously performed the song live on several occasions. In May 2024, the American singer opened his show at Nowlan Park with the track during his Irish tour dates.
The connection between the two musicians extended beyond the stage. During the Irish leg of his tour in May 2023, Springsteen visited MacGowan at his home in Dublin while the singer was seriously ill.
Over the years, Springsteen frequently praised MacGowan’s songwriting, describing the Pogues frontman as a unique voice in music whose work would endure for generations.
Following MacGowan’s death, Springsteen shared a heartfelt tribute on his official website.
“Over here on E Street, we are heartbroken over the death of Shane MacGowan. Shane was one of my all-time favourite writers,” he wrote.
He added that the emotional power and intensity of MacGowan’s lyrics placed him among the greatest figures in rock music.
“The passion and deep intensity of his music and lyrics is unmatched by all but the very best in the rock and roll canon.”
Springsteen also reflected on meeting MacGowan shortly before his passing.
“He was very ill, but still beautifully present in his heart and spirit. His music is timeless and eternal. I don't know about the rest of us, but they’ll be singing Shane’s songs 100 years from now.”
Meanwhile, Clarke has also revealed that a tribute album dedicated to MacGowan’s music is planned for release in 2026.
Speaking about the project, she said the record would feature a broad mix of international artists paying tribute to the songwriter’s legacy.
“There’s Americans, there’s English people, Irish people – it’s kind of a mix,” she explained, adding that while some of the contributors may be obvious choices, others will likely surprise listeners.
The upcoming album is expected to celebrate MacGowan’s enduring influence and the lasting impact of his songwriting.
