Full Breakdown
Johnny Depp and Imelda May Lead New Tribute to Shane MacGowan with “Haunted”
4/27/2026, 11:52:12 AM
Launch of “Haunted” and the “20th Century Paddy” Album
On 24 April 2024, Johnny Depp and Imelda May released a new version of Shane MacGowan’s song “Haunted.” The recording, a reinterpretation of the 1995 duet with Sinéad O’Connor, serves as the second single from the forthcoming tribute album 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan, due 13 November 2024.
Background & Context
“Haunted” first appeared on The Pogues’ 1986 *Sid and Nancy* soundtrack (UK No. 42) and re-charted as a 1995 duet with O’Connor (UK No. 30). MacGowan’s 2023 death and a funeral performance of “A Rainy Night in Soho” prompted the curated tribute concept.
Key Figures
Key participants include Shane MacGowan (songwriter), his widow Victoria Mary Clarke (co-producer), manager John Kennedy (co-producer), Johnny Depp (vocals), Imelda May (vocals), and producer John Reynolds (who recorded May’s vocals on O’Connor’s microphone). Contributors span Hozier, Jessie Buckley, Tom Waits, The Libertines, The Murder Capital, Primal Scream, The Jesus and Mary Chain, David Gray, Lisa Moorish, Madra Salach, and members of The Pogues.
Data & Statistics
Original 1986 “Haunted” reached UK No. 42; the 1995 duet reached No. 30. The Record Store Day vinyl of the new version peaked at UK Vinyl Singles Chart No. 18. The album releases 13 November 2024 in CD, vinyl, and a deluxe box set (three LPs, two CDs, 56-page book). Half of artist royalties support the Dublin Simon Community’s housing and healthcare programmes.
Impact
The album showcases the adaptability of MacGowan’s Irish-folk-punk songwriting, introduces his work to new listeners, and channels charitable funds to address homelessness in Dublin.
Official Statements & Responses
Clarke and Kennedy framed the project as a philanthropic tribute, noting that 50 % of royalties will aid the Simon Community. Contributing artists have expressed respect for MacGowan’s lyrical craft and the aim to reach broader audiences.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are people you meet in life who carry something timeless in them — a kind of knowing. Imelda is one of those people. Making music with her has been one of my greatest joys.” — Johnny Depp
- “Collaborating on 'Haunted' felt like more than just recording a song — it felt like honoring Shane and Sinéad, and everything they stood for.” — Johnny Depp
- “I thank my lucky stars our eternally missed brother Jeff Beck brought our friendship together and thankful we could honour both Shane and Sinéad on this recording "Performing ‘Haunted’ with Johnny for both of our forever missed friends is filled with huge love, utmost respect and means so very, very much.” — Imelda May
- “Thanks so much to Sinéad’s producer and right hand man John Reynolds for recording my vocals using Sinéad’s microphone.” — Imelda May
What’s Next
The full album will be released on CD, vinyl, and as a deluxe box set on 13 November 2024. Additional singles from contributors such as David Gray and Primal Scream will precede the launch.
