Glen Hansard Cover of Bottle of Smoke Released
A new live version of the Shane MacGowan classic arrives ahead of an upcoming tribute album.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Folk
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Glen Hansard has released a live cover of Bottle of Smoke, a track originally recorded at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. The song is the latest preview of the tribute album 20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan.
Why it matters
The release honors the legacy of the late Shane MacGowan while supporting the Dublin Simon Community. Fifty percent of proceeds from the forthcoming album are dedicated to the organization's efforts to aid individuals experiencing homelessness in Ireland.
Fifty percent of proceeds from the tribute album are designated for the Dublin Simon Community. The project follows the 1988 original release of the song.
The players
Glen Hansard
The Irish singer-songwriter and musician was known for his work in the bands The Frames and The Swell Season.
Shane MacGowan
The late musician and poet was best known as the frontman and songwriter of the Celtic punk band The Pogues.
James Fearnley
He is a musician best known for playing the accordion in the band The Pogues.
Dublin Simon Community
This Irish organization provides essential support and services to people experiencing homelessness throughout the country.
The details
The track features accompaniment from James Fearnley of The Pogues, alongside a full band including banjo, uilleann pipes, whistle, flute, guitar, bass, keyboards, violin, and drums. The recording was captured live on October 1, 2024, at the Wiltern Theatre.
Timeline
October 1, 2024: The song was recorded live in Los Angeles.
July 29, 2026: Glen Hansard passed away at age 56.
October 30, 2026: The cover of Bottle of Smoke was released.
November 13, 2026: The full tribute album is scheduled for release.
Industry Dynamics
This release continues a trend of tribute albums utilizing live recordings to honor legacy artists while supporting charitable causes. It updates a figure previously established by the 1988 original release of Bottle of Smoke.
Listeners can access the new cover across digital music platforms. The release serves as the primary gateway for audiences to support the Dublin Simon Community through the upcoming full album purchase.
The takeaway
This tribute project highlights how contemporary artists can leverage their catalog to sustain vital community services. Supporting such releases provides fans with new versions of classic tracks while contributing directly to humanitarian efforts.
What happens next
The full album 20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan is scheduled for release on November 13, 2026.
Further reading
Discover more about the genre through our Folk section.
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