Glen Hansard’s version of The Pogues song Bottle of Smoke from the upcoming Shane MacGowan tribute album has been released.
Hansard, who died aged 56 in a motorcycle crash last July, appears on 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan alongside acts including U2, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits and Madra Salach.
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Recorded in October 2024 and released with the full blessing and support of Hansard’s family and estate the track will appear on the 36-track album, which is out on the 13th of November, with 50% of the proceeds to be donated to The Dublin Simon Community, supporting their ongoing work to end homelessness across Ireland.
MacGowan died aged 65 in November 2023 and Hansard acted as musical director at the late singer’s funeral and performed The Pogues’ classic Fairytale of New York with members of The Dubliners, The Pogues and The Frames during the funeral service in St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Nenagh.
Shane MacGowan
Bottle of Smoke first appeared on The Pogues’ 1988 album If I Should Fall From Grace With God and Hansard’s version was recorded live in October, 2024 at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, with a guest appearance from Pogues accordion player James Fearnley.
The track also features Jonny Pickett (banjo), Séamus Ong (uilleann pipes, whistle), Mary Aoife Ong (flute), Rob Bochnick (guitar, vocals), Joseph Doyle (bass, vocals), Ruth O’Mahony Brady (keyboards, vocals), Gareth Quinn Redmond (violin) and Tim Neuhaus (drums).
“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,” said MacGowan’s widow Victoria Mary Clarke.
“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.
Glen Hansard
“His passing is a profound loss to the music world and to humanity in general but it is some comfort to have his voice and presence and beauty on this album which would not have been made without him.”
Catherine Kenny, CEO, Dublin Simon Community said, “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.”