Skip to content

Shane MacGowan and Sinéad O'Connor tribute show announced

Getty Images Shane MacGowan and Sinead O'ConnorGetty Images
Shane MacGowan and Sinéad O'Connor recorded the song Haunted together in 1995

A tribute concert for Sinéad O'Connor and The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan is set to take place in New York City's Carnegie Hall on 20 March.

The one-night-only show called Sinéad & Shane at Carnegie Hall will be a celebration of both their lives.

Artists such as Mountain Goats, Cat Power, and Dropkick Murphys are set to cover a number of O'Connor and MacGowan's songs.

Both Irish singers passed away in 2023.

In 1995 they recorded a duet of Haunted together, a song previously released by The Pogues in 1986. It reached number 30 in the UK charts.

O'Connor, known for being an activist as well as a singer, died aged 56 in July.

She was best known for her single Nothing Compares 2 U, released in 1990, which reached number one and brought her worldwide fame.

Rob Ball Sinead O'ConnorRob Ball
O'Connor released 10 albums between 1987 and 2014

O'Connor, who was outspoken in her social and political views, released 10 studio albums between 1987 and 2014.

In 1991, she was was named artist of the year by Rolling Stone magazine and took home the Brit Award for international female solo artist.

In 2018 the Dublin singer converted to Islam and changed her name to Shuhada' Sadaqat, but continued to perform under her birth name. She released a memoir, Rememberings, in 2021.

Irish President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to O'Connor when she died and praised her "authenticity" as well as her "beautiful, unique voice".

He also praised Shane MacGowan as one of "music's greatest lyricists" following his death in November.

The Pogues frontman died aged 65 after being diagnosed with encephalitis.

Getty Images Shane MacGowanGetty Images
Born in Kent, MacGowan was the son of Irish immigrants and fronted The Pogues from 1982 until their break-up in 2014

The singer-songwriter, whose hits include 1987's Fairytale of New York and A Pair of Brown Eyes, had been unwell for some time. He also had well-documented problems with drugs and alcohol.

Many of the artists performing at the concert had previously performed with O'Connor and MacGowan when they were alive.

They include Glen Hansard, who performed a rendition of Fairytale of New York at MacGowan's funeral in December, and David Gray, Amanda Palmer and Gordon Gano.

More acts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.