Today marks the release of Glen Hansard’s performance of ‘Bottle of Smoke‘, featured as part of the forthcoming tribute project ’20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan’. Recorded in October 2024 and released with the full blessing and support of Glen’s family and estate, the release stands as a celebration of the profound artistic bond and personal friendship shared between the two Irish icons.
In keeping with Shane and Glen’s unwavering dedication to social causes throughout their life, 50% of the proceeds generated from the album will be donated to The Dublin Simon Community, supporting their ongoing work to end homelessness across Ireland.
“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. 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” Victoria Mary Clarke
Originally written for the album ‘If I Should Fall From Grace With God’, ‘Bottle of Smoke’ has long stood as one of the most joyful entries in Shane’s songbook. Glen Hansard’s rendition honors that untamed energy while bringing a rich, emotional resonance that reflects his own extraordinary body of work.
“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.
Through this very special interpretation of ‘Bottle of Smoke’, their voices continue to make a difference long after they have left us. The proceeds from this project will help support people rebuilding their lives after homelessness, which speaks to the enduring warmth, generosity and legacy of both Shane and Glen.” – Catherine Kenny, CEO, Dublin Simon Community
‘Bottle of Smoke’ by Glen Hansard is available today across all platforms.
20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan is a 36 track tribute album celebrating the life and genius of Shane MacGowan (1957 – 2023). Described as a sonic love letter to Shane MacGowan’s catalog, the compilation features an outstanding lineup of international icons and contemporary artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Hozier, U2, Tom Waits, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Damien Dempsey, Lisa O’Neill, The Murder Capital and many more. The full compilation 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan releases worldwide on Friday, November 13, 2026 on 3LP vinyl, 2CD, Deluxe Bookpack and digital formats.
PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE HERE
’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
