Glen Hansard’s connection to Shane MacGowan lives on in a new recording of “Bottle of Smoke,” released today (Oct. 30) as part of the forthcoming tribute to the late Pogues frontman, 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan. Recorded in October 2024, the performance further unites two Irish songwriters whose friendship and commitment to helping others extended far beyond their music.
Hansard, the Frames frontman and Swell Season co-founder, died July 29 at age 56 following a Dublin motorcycle accident. He previously performed the Pogues’ classic “Fairytale of New York” with members of that group during MacGowan’s 2023 funeral. As previously reported, 20th Century Paddy is due Nov. 13 and boasts an extensive roster of contributors, including U2, Tom Waits, Hozier and Jessie Buckley, Johnny Depp and Imelda May, Steve Earle, the Libertines and the Jesus and Mary Chain.
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Originally featured on the Pogues’ 1988 album If I Should Fall From Grace With God, “Bottle of Smoke” is among MacGowan’s most exuberant songs. Hansard’s rendition was recorded live on Oct. 1, 2024, at Los Angeles’ Wiltern Theatre and is enhanced by a guest appearance from Pogues accordion player James Fearnley. The track is rounded out with contributions from 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).
MacGowan’s widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, said Hansard’s recording carries particular meaning in the wake of his own passing. “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 says. “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. 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.”
The release also advances a cause close to both musicians. Fifty percent of proceeds from the album will go to the Dublin Simon Community, which supports people experiencing homelessness across Ireland.
“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,” says Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community. “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.”
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