A powerful new chapter in Irish musical heritage arrives today as Johnny Depp and Imelda May release their evocative interpretation of “Haunted”. The track features on 20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan, a highly anticipated collection celebrating the enduring legacy of Shane MacGowan.
A timeless song reimagined
Originally written for the Sid and Nancy soundtrack, “Haunted” became widely revered following its 1995 duet version by Shane MacGowan and Sinéad O’Connor. That recording transformed the song into a deeply affecting exploration of love and devotion.
In this latest rendition, Depp and May deliver a version that feels both intimate and cinematic. Their voices intertwine with a raw emotional clarity, bringing renewed focus to the lyrical depth that has long defined MacGowan’s songwriting.
A tribute shaped by loss and legacy
Following the deaths of both MacGowan and O’Connor in 2023, “Haunted” has taken on new resonance. It now stands as a poignant reflection of artistic kinship and shared truth, themes that are central to this new interpretation.
Johnny Depp reflects on the collaboration in deeply personal terms:
"There are people you meet in life who carry something timeless in them — a kind of knowing. Imelda is one of those people. Making music with her has been one of my greatest joys.
Collaborating on 'Haunted' felt like more than just recording a song — 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. Shane was one of the greatest poets of his generation. His words have a way of cutting right through you — they did to us, and I think that's exactly what you hear in the song.
And Sinéad, there was simply nobody like her. That voice, her courage, the refusal to be anything less than completely herself. You only experience talent like that once in a lifetime, if you're lucky.
Losing them both felt like the world losing two of its most necessary voices.
This song found us both, I think, at exactly the right moment. I'm so happy it's going out into the world. I hope it finds whoever needs it."
A deeply personal collaboration
For Imelda May, the project carries equal emotional weight. Her reflections underline both the significance of the song and the personal connections behind it:
“It’s such an honour to pay tribute to my beloved friends Shane MacGowan and Sinéad O’Connor soon after losing both precious souls in such a short space of time by singing Shane’s beautiful song ‘Haunted’ on this special album with my dear and incredibly talented friend Johnny Depp.
We recorded this duet before we knew of this tribute album as we were (and often are) overcome by the absolute brilliance of Shane’s writing.
He was a truly gifted poet, romantic treasure and literary genius who always wrote with such fine detail and purest truth that resonates deeply with every listen.
The dynamics of Shane and Sinéad's voices dance like a dream around each other and the chemistry of their performance is everything…sweet, strong, sensual, honest, ridiculously cool and vibey as hell.
I always love singing with and being around Johnny. He has a radiance that shines from him, we sometimes call it magic but it’s a true connection to something way deeper which he gives his whole heart and life to.
I thank my lucky stars our eternally missed brother Jeff Beck brought our friendship together and thankful we could honour both Shane and Sinéad on this recording
Performing ‘Haunted’ with Johnny for both of our forever missed friends is filled with huge love, utmost respect and means so very, very much.
Thanks so much to Sinead’s producer and right hand man John Reynolds for recording my vocals using Sinead’s microphone.
Love Imelda x”
Building momentum for a landmark album
The release follows the global attention generated by Bruce Springsteen’s interpretation of A Rainy Night in Soho, further establishing the album as a significant cultural moment.
With “Haunted”, Depp and May contribute a rendition that is both restrained and emotionally expansive, reinforcing the album’s central aim: to honour the poetic brilliance of Shane MacGowan while introducing his work to a broader audience.
A release already making waves in Ireland
“Haunted” is already receiving strong support on Eirewave, signalling an early and enthusiastic response from listeners. The track’s emotional depth and understated production have positioned it as a standout moment within the wider project.
The album 20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan also features contributions from major artists including Hozier, further underlining its significance as a landmark celebration of Shane MacGowan’s songwriting legacy.
Bringing together a diverse range of voices and interpretations, the full track listing reflects both the breadth of MacGowan’s catalogue and the lasting influence of his work. Each recording offers a distinct perspective, collectively forming a rich and deeply respectful tribute to one of Ireland’s most important literary and musical figures.
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