Rubyworks have today released a new recording by U2 of Shane MacGowans’ high energy track “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah”. The powerful new interpretation features as a standout track on the upcoming tribute album, 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane McGowan. Proceeds from the landmark tribute album to support the Dublin Simon Community in memory of Shane MacGowan.
20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan, set for release on November 13, 2026, via Rubyworks.
Curated in close partnership with Victoria Mary Clarke and Siobhan MacGowan, the album takes its title from a project Shane MacGowan himself had long envisioned. The collection brings together an international assembly of music talent, including Bruce Springsteen, Hozier, Tom Waits, The Libertines, and Glen Hansard to celebrate the genius of one of Ireland’s greatest lyricists.
“Shane MacGowan was full of contradictions—and that’s where the truth of him lived. He could be precise about what mattered and gloriously careless about everything else. If that sounds like a kind of performance, maybe it was. But as Oscar Wilde put it, “a mask tells us more than a face.
The crooked grin, the wildness, the old-Ireland inflections—they weren’t disguises so much as signals. A way of placing himself in a lineage that ran from the pub storyteller to the punk stage. Somewhere between John B. Keane and The Clash, he found a voice that felt both ancient and completely of its time.
What he did with that voice was remarkable. He pulled together threads that shouldn’t quite fit—folk tradition, political memory, gallows humour, romance—and made them sound inevitable.
His songs sound like they have always existed. He dissolved himself into them and, in the process, created the Shane MacGowan myth. The details of his life barely surface, but you learn exactly what he cared about. And that’s the point.” – The Edge
Originally released in 1988, “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” captures Shane MacGowan’s signature blend of punk energy and poetic wit. In their new rendition, U2 channels that spirit while infusing the track with their signature driving basslines, textured guitar work, and unmistakable arena scale dynamic.
20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan will be available across digital streaming platforms, pre order is available now for physical format, a 2CD, a Deluxe 3LP and a deluxe Vinyl featuring a 60 page book of archival photographs and liner notes.
Supporting Dublin Simon Community
Honoring Shane MacGowan’s legacy, 50% of artist royalties will be donated to Dublin Simon Community to provide lifesaving housing and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness.
“Shane MacGowan was a long‑time supporter of our work and it is because of this enduring connection that proceeds from the new tribute album will go to helping Dublin Simon Community support people who are homeless today. Shane’s empathy for people sleeping rough in Dublin was well known; he never hesitated to stop, acknowledge, and share a moment with someone on the street.
In 2021, Shane performed at the Christmas Eve Busk which turned out to be his last live performance before he passed away. Since then, one of his songs has been played at the Busk each year in tribute to him.
“Funds raised from the tribute album will support Dublin Simon’s client development, supports that help to build resilience, dignity and confidence. Many of these initiatives focus on creativity and community, including music, as a powerful way to support people on their journey out of homelessness.” – Catherine Kenny, CEO, Dublin Simon Community
20th Century Paddy – The Songs Of Shane MacGowan Tracklisting
Amble – The Snake With the Eyes of Garnet
Bob Geldof – St. John Of Gods
Bruce Springsteen – A Rainy Night in Soho
Camille O’Sullivan – You’re The One
Cronin – London You’re A Lady
Damien Dempsey – Sally MacLennane
David Gray – The Old Main Drag
David Keenan – The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn
Dropkick Murphys – The Body of an American
Garron Noone – White City
Glen Hansard – Bottle of Smoke
Hozier & Jessie Buckley – Fairytale of New York
Jimmy Artache – USA
Johnny Mac and The Faithful – Fiesta
Johnny Depp & Imelda May – Haunted
Kate Moss – Lonesome Highway
Kingfishr – The Sunnyside of the Street
Liam Ó Maonlaí – The Broad Majestic Shannon
Lisa Moorish & Another Day – Rain Street
Lisa O’Neill – Dark Streets of London
LYRA – Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six
Madra Salach – Turkish Song of the Damned
Moya Brennan – Mother Mo Chroi
Mundy – Victoria
Picture This – Aisling
Pinch of Snuff – Donegal Express
Primal Scream – A Pair of Brown Eyes
Steve Earle – If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The High Kings – Streams of Whiskey
The Jesus And Mary Chain – I’ll Be Your Handbag
The Libertines – Sayonara
The Murder Capital – The Song With No Name
The Pogues – Gabrielle
Tom Creagh – Paddy Public Enemy No. 1
Tom Waits – Summer In Siam
U2 – Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan arrives on all streaming platforms on 13 November 2026. The album will be available in three physical formats, headlined by a Limited Edition Deluxe Bookpack. This set includes 3LP, 2CD, and a 60-page book featuring rare memorabilia and liner notes.
Pre-order available now here