Glen Hansard's version of The Pogues' track, Bottle of Smoke, has been released.
The song, features on the upcoming MacGowan tribute album, 20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan which also includes contributions from U2, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits and Madra Salach.
Hansard's version of the song was recorded in October 2024, and released with the consent of Hansard's family. This recording took place at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, featuring a guest appearance from James Fearnley, accordion player for The Pogues.
Originally, the track appeared on The Pogues' 1988 album, If I Should Fall From Grace With God, with the new version also including contributions fromRob Bochnick (guitar, vocals), Jonny Pickett (banjo), Mary Aoife Ong (flute), Séamus Ong (uilleann pipes, whistle), Joseph Doyle (bass, vocals), Ruth O'Mahony Brady (keyboards, vocals), Gareth Quinn Redmond (violin) and Tim Neuhaus (drums).
The album will arrive on November 13, and 50% of the proceeds will go towards the Simon Community, who support to end homelessness in Ireland.
Shane MacGowan passed away in 2023, and his wife Victoria Mary Clarke praised this new cover for the track.
"I’m eternally grateful to Glen for being such an incredible friend to both myself and Shane and for being such an integral part of making this album possible", she wrote on Instagram. "He did a magnificent version of Bottle of Smoke and he infused it with all of the soul and spirit and passion that he was famous for. I know that Shane adored Glen and admired his work and was hoping that Glen would produce an album for him".
View this post on Instagram
Elsewhere, the CEO for the Dublin Simon Community, Catherine Kenny released this statement, expressing her gratitude to the work completed on this album.
"As we approach the winter months, Dublin Simon Community is hugely grateful to Victoria, Rubyworks and the many artists who have contributed their time and talents to 20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan".
"The funds raised through this project will help us support people experiencing homelessness through the winter months.
"This beautiful recording by Glen Hansard of the classic 'Bottle of Smoke' is especially poignant because it brings together the legacy of two artists who cared deeply about people experiencing homelessness.
"Shane MacGowan was a long-time supporter of Dublin Simon, while Glen dedicated much of his time and talent to helping others through his music. He was also the driving force behind the Dublin Simon Christmas Eve Busk on Grafton Street, an event that has become a symbol of generosity, community and hope for so many people". (Quotes according to RTÉ).
Glen Hansard sadly passed away earlier this year following a motorbike accident in Dublin aged 56. He had been performing a trad session in Dublin just hours earlier. More here.
