A new bar named ‘Shane MacGowan’s Pub’ is coming to New York City, with the blessing of the late singer’s family.
The Pogues singer and songwriter passed away “peacefully” from complications following pneumonia in November 2023 at the age of 65, and he is now set to be immortalised with his own drinking establishment in downtown Manhattan.
‘Shane MacGowan’s Pub’ will be located at 250 West 14th St, between 7th and 8th Avenue, in the West Village, on a site that used to be home to McKenna’s pub.
“This will be a living tribute to a true icon,” a statement has said. “We are incredibly honoured to be opening this space with the blessing of Shane’s family, bringing his raw, poetic Irish punk spirit to the West Village.”
No opening date has been announced, with a social media post simply teasing that the pub is “coming soon”.
A tribute album to MacGowan has been announced for release on November 13. Titled ‘20th Century Paddy – The Songs Of Shane MacGowan’ is a collection of his songs as recorded by a range of other artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Depp, The Libertines, Tom Waits and Primal Scream. Pre-order your copy here.
The first taster of the album was released in March, in the form of Springsteen’s version of The Pogues classic ‘A Rainy Night In Soho’, a song he has covered in the past at shows in Ireland.
Other artists set to feature on the record include the likes of Dropkick Murphys, Hozier, David Gray, The Jesus And Mary Chain, The Murder Capital, Kate Moss and many more. Fifty per cent of artist royalties from the project will be donated to Dublin Simon Community to provide lifesaving housing and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness.
In November 2024, the remaining Pogues spoke to NME about how some of the new generation are continuing to keep the flame of the band’s legacy alive. Spider Stacy said: “Fontaines are a fantastic band, but they’re very much carrying their own torch. And Kneecap are without precedent.
“If you’re talking about bands like Lankum and The Mary Wallopers, that’s a different story because it’s more Pogues-like territory – to hear them doing what we do in their unique way is exciting. All of those bands are immense.”
