K-Chuck Radio: Many Rainy Nights

If you’ve never experienced the voice and poetry of Shane MacGowan of the Pogues, you’ve missed so much. Even if you’ve only heard the Pogues’ Christmas song “Fairytale of New York,” that’s just not enough to really appreciate what MacGowan brought to the musical world.

Take, for example, this track. The Pogues song “A Rainy Night in Soho” was originally released by the Pogues in 1986, and exists in two versions – one with a cornet (which MacGowan favored), and one with an oboe (which producer Elvis Costello preferred).

The song has become an anthem for brotherhood, love and loss – and has endured in several beautiful renditions by several artists. This is Nick Cave’s version; it was released as the B-side of a duet version of “What a Wonderful World” that featured Cave and MacGowan.

If you’ve only known Sinead O’Connor from her cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” wait until you hear her perform “Rainy Night in Soho” live. It’s right here.

MacGowan passed away in 2023, and his fellow Irishmen U2 tore through a breathtaking version of “Rainy Night in Soho” at their Las Vegas Sphere concert.

And when the grand bard of rock music, Bob Dylan, covers “Rainy Night in Soho” on his 2025 concert tour … you’re going to take notice.

So why in the world am I blogging about this song today?

Because this morning, Bruce Springsteen released a lyric video of his cover of “Rainy Night in Soho,” and it just completely rocks.

Because all these versions aren’t just someone singing a great song.

They’re all interpreting a breathtaking and poignant message. Especially when we’re five days away from Irish-American Heritage Day.

Rest in glory, Shane MacGowan. You are remembered by your peers and your fans, three years on. And for years to follow.