On Manic Monday we offered up an alternative Irish option to avoid the clichés of the season, but today’s edition of Tuesday’s Gone is kind of the antithesis of that idea. Indeed, this is definitely a very Irish song with a very Irish cast, but with one important caveat: it’s paying tribute to a legend we lost last year who not only epitomized the Irish music scene but also managed to leave his indelible mark far beyond its shores. Talking of course about the beloved Shane MacGowan from The Pogues who sadly passed away less than four months ago.
The outpouring of tributes in the wake of his death spoke to just how adored and respected Shane was not just in Ireland, but from a wide variety of musicians and fans all around the world. This performance captures the essence of what made Shane so loveable quite nicely, as he stands cigarette in hand with another departed Irish legend (Ronnie Drew from The Dubliners) and belts out “The Irish Rover” in this authentically jovial jam session. And if two departed legends weren’t enough, you can also catch a glimpse of the incomparable Joe Strummer jamming away in the back as well, just adding to the British Isles rock royalty on display here. Overall, this performance is so Irish it hurts, but the unbridled joy is palpable. It’s a beautiful thing. R.I.P. Shane, Ronnie, and Joe.
