There are moments in musical history where grief and beauty intertwine so tightly they become indistinguishable. The release of the new single „Haunted“ is one such moment. Serving as the second chapter of the monumental tribute album 20th Century Paddy: The Songs of Shane MacGowan, Hollywood icon Johnny Depp and Irish rockabilly queen Imelda May have joined forces to pay homage to two of the most profound souls in Irish music.

Following the global resonance of Bruce Springsteen’s lead track, A Rainy Night in Soho, this latest release delves into a narrative that is as much about friendship as it is about artistry. Haunted—originally penned by MacGowan for the Sid and Nancy soundtrack and immortalized in 1995 as a duet with Sinéad O’Connor—has been reimagined by Depp and May as a raw, cinematic hymn to eternal devotion.

A Legacy of Truth-Telling

For Johnny Depp, the collaboration was deeply personal. „Collaborating on ‚Haunted‘ felt like more than just recording a song,“ Depp reflected. „It felt like honoring Shane and Sinéad, and everything they stood for. Two people who told the truth when the rest of us were still working up the courage.“

The weight of the recording is amplified by the fact that both MacGowan and O’Connor passed away in 2023. Depp describes MacGowan as one of the „greatest poets of his generation,“ while praising O’Connor’s refusal to be „anything less than completely herself.“

Magic and Microphones

Imelda May echoed this sentiment, describing the late MacGowan as a „literary genius and romantic treasure.“ The recording process itself was steeped in symbolism; May’s vocals were captured using Sinéad O’Connor’s own microphone, a gesture facilitated by O’Connor’s longtime producer and right-hand man, John Reynolds.

Speaking on her partnership with Depp, May noted: „I always love singing with and being around Johnny. He has a radiance… a true connection to something way deeper.“ The two originally recorded the duet simply out of a shared love for Shane’s writing, long before the official tribute album took shape.

„20th Century Paddy“: A Vision Realized

The album’s title, 20th Century Paddy, was a concept Shane MacGowan had envisioned for himself years ago. Now, brought to life by his widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, and Rubyworks, the project serves as a „sonic love letter“ from a staggering collective of legends. The growing lineup features a „who’s who“ of musical disruptors, including Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Hozier, Jessie Buckley, The Libertines, and The Pogues.

Impact Beyond the Music

In a move that honors Shane’s lifelong empathy for the marginalized, 50% of the artist royalties from the album will be donated to the Dublin Simon Community. These funds will support vital housing and healthcare programs for those experiencing homelessness—a cause MacGowan championed until his final days.

Final Thoughts

Johnny Depp and Imelda May’s Haunted is more than a cover; it is an ethereal, unflinchingly honest bridge between the past and the present. It serves as a reminder that while voices may pass, the truth within the poetry remains hauntingly alive.

Johnny Depp – Photo credit: Erhan Sevenler/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images (June 10, 2023

At a Glance:

• Single: Haunted by Johnny Depp & Imelda May (Available now on all streaming platforms).

• Album: 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan (Release date TBA).

• Charity: Supporting the Dublin Simon Community in their mission to end homelessness.

• Multimedia: Official lyric video now available for viewing.