Johnny Depp and Imelda May Honor Shane MacGowan in New Tribute Track

Picture this: It’s a damp April evening in Portland’s Alberta Arts District, the kind where the mist clings to the neon signs of vintage record stores and the scent of espresso from Extracto Coffee Roasters mingles with the faint tang of rain-soaked pavement. Inside a dimly lit booth at Alberta’s Living Room, a group of musicians—local session players from bands like The Decemberists and Portugal. The Man—lean in as the opening chords of Johnny Depp and Imelda May’s new cover of Shane MacGowan’s *Haunted* crackle through a vintage Marantz amplifier. One of them, a guitarist with a sleeve of Pogues tattoos, exhales sharply. “Damn,” he mutters. “That’s not just a song. That’s a eulogy.”

What’s unfolding in that booth isn’t just a reaction to a new single—it’s a ripple effect of cultural memory, one that’s reverberating from Dublin’s Temple Bar to the dive bars of Portland, where MacGowan’s legacy has long been a touchstone for artists who see music as more than just melody. Depp and May’s *Haunted*, released April 24, 2026, as the second single from the tribute album *20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan*, isn’t merely a cover. It’s a bridge between generations, a testament to the enduring power of raw, unfiltered storytelling, and—perhaps most poignantly—a reminder of what Portland’s own music scene has always aspired to be: a place where art isn’t just performed, but *lived*.

The Song That Outlived Its Creators

Originally written for the 1986 film *Sid and Nancy*, *Haunted* was first brought to life as a duet between MacGowan and Sinéad O’Connor in 1995. The song’s lyrics—“I’m haunted by the memory of your face / I’m haunted by the memory of your grace”—are deceptively simple, but they carry the weight of something far deeper: a love that lingers like a ghost, refusing to be exorcised. When MacGowan and O’Connor both passed away in 2023, the song took on a new dimension. It became a vessel for grief, a way to process the loss of two artists who, in their own ways, refused to conform to the expectations of the music industry or society at large.

Depp’s collaboration with May, a Dublin-born singer-songwriter whose voice has been described as “a cross between Billie Holiday and a banshee,” is more than just a musical interpretation. In his own words, it’s an act of homage. “There are people you meet in life who carry something timeless in them—a kind of knowing,” Depp said in a statement accompanying the release. “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.”

That sense of honor isn’t lost on Portland’s music community, where MacGowan’s influence runs deep. The Pogues’ fusion of punk and traditional Irish folk has long been a blueprint for local bands like The Builders and The Butchers, who’ve carved out a niche in the city’s eclectic music scene by blending genres with the same fearless abandon. For them, *Haunted* isn’t just a song—it’s a reminder of why they picked up instruments in the first place: to tell stories that cut through the noise.

Why Portland’s Music Scene Is Feeling the Ghost of *Haunted*

Portland has always been a city that wears its influences on its sleeve. From the grunge era of the ’90s to the indie-folk revival of the 2000s, the city’s music scene has thrived on its ability to absorb and reinterpret global sounds. But what makes *Haunted* resonate so deeply here isn’t just its musicality—it’s the way it embodies the city’s ethos of authenticity. In a world where algorithms dictate what gets heard, MacGowan’s music (and now Depp and May’s cover) is a defiant rejection of polish in favor of raw, unvarnished truth.

Take, for example, the city’s thriving DIY venue scene. Spaces like The Know and Turn! Turn! Turn! have become incubators for artists who, like MacGowan, prioritize emotional honesty over commercial appeal. These venues don’t just host shows—they foster communities where musicians and audiences alike can connect over shared experiences of loss, love, and resilience. *Haunted* fits right into that narrative. Its themes of longing and memory mirror the stories told in Portland’s singer-songwriter circles, where artists like Laura Gibson and Holcombe Waller have built careers on crafting songs that feel like confessions.

But the song’s impact extends beyond the stage. Portland’s music scene is also deeply intertwined with its activism, a legacy that O’Connor, in particular, embodied. Her fearless advocacy for marginalized communities and her refusal to stay silent on issues of injustice have left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape. Local organizations like Music for Social Change, a nonprofit that uses music as a tool for community organizing, have cited O’Connor’s work as inspiration for their own initiatives. For them, *Haunted* isn’t just a song—it’s a call to action, a reminder that art has the power to challenge, to heal, and to unite.

The Second-Order Effects: How a Tribute Track Is Shaping Local Culture

It’s one thing for a song to resonate with a city’s music scene. It’s another for it to spark broader cultural conversations. In Portland, *Haunted* is doing just that, serving as a catalyst for discussions about grief, legacy, and the role of art in processing loss. Here’s how:

1. The Rise of “Tribute Culture” in Portland’s Venues

Portland’s love for tribute shows isn’t new—think *Dark Side of the Moon* live at the Crystal Ballroom or *Rumours* sing-alongs at Doug Fir Lounge. But *Haunted* is inspiring a new wave of tribute events that move beyond mere imitation. Venues like Mississippi Studios are now hosting “legacy nights,” where local artists reinterpret songs by MacGowan, O’Connor, and other late icons as a way to maintain their spirits alive. These events aren’t just about nostalgia; they’re about recontextualizing the music for a new generation. For instance, a recent display at Revolution Hall featured a lineup of Portland artists performing MacGowan’s songs, but with a twist: each performance was paired with a visual art installation or spoken-word piece that explored themes of memory and loss. The result? A multi-sensory experience that felt less like a concert and more like a communal ritual.

2. The Influence on Portland’s Songwriting Community

MacGowan’s songwriting has always been characterized by its gritty, unfiltered storytelling. In Portland, where lyricism is often prized over production value, his influence is palpable. Local songwriters are taking note of *Haunted*’s emotional rawness and applying it to their own work. Take, for example, the burgeoning “Portland Songwriters’ Collective,” a group of artists who meet monthly at Mother Foucault’s Bookshop to workshop new material. In recent sessions, members have cited *Haunted* as a benchmark for how to convey complex emotions without resorting to clichés. One songwriter, who asked to remain anonymous, put it this way: “MacGowan’s lyrics don’t just describe pain—they *are* pain. That’s the bar we’re all trying to reach.”

3. The Intersection of Music and Mental Health

Portland has long been a city where conversations about mental health are front and center. From the Mental Health Association of Portland to grassroots organizations like Project ABLE, the city has a robust network of resources dedicated to supporting those struggling with depression, anxiety, and grief. *Haunted*’s themes of loss and longing have found a natural home in these spaces. Local therapists and music therapists are incorporating the song into their work, using it as a tool to help clients process their own experiences of grief. At a recent workshop hosted by Portland Therapy Center, participants were asked to listen to *Haunted* and then write letters to people they’ve lost. The exercise, inspired by the song’s lyrics, became a powerful outlet for many in the room.

If *Haunted* Resonates With You in Portland, Here’s Who You Need to Know

Given my background in cultural journalism and my deep ties to Portland’s music scene, I’ve seen firsthand how art can shape a community. If *Haunted* has struck a chord with you—whether you’re a musician looking to channel its emotional depth into your own work, a venue owner hoping to host a tribute event, or simply someone grappling with loss—here are the three types of local professionals who can help you navigate this moment:

1. Music Therapists Specializing in Grief and Loss

These professionals use music as a therapeutic tool to help individuals process emotions, particularly grief. In Portland, gaze for therapists who:

• Are certified by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) or have advanced training in grief counseling.
• Have experience working with artists or musicians, as they’ll understand the unique ways creative individuals experience loss.
• Offer group sessions or workshops, which can provide a sense of community for those who feel isolated in their grief.
• Are affiliated with local organizations like Legacy Health or Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, which often have music therapy programs.

Why it matters: Music therapy isn’t just about listening to songs—it’s about using music as a bridge to emotions that might be too hard to express otherwise. A skilled therapist can help you explore *Haunted*’s themes in a way that feels safe and productive.

2. Venue Owners and Event Curators with a Focus on Legacy Shows

If you’re inspired to host a tribute event or a “legacy night” centered around MacGowan, O’Connor, or other late icons, you’ll desire to work with venues that understand the cultural significance of these performances. Look for curators who:

• Have a track record of hosting events that blend music with other art forms, such as visual art or spoken word.
• Are connected to Portland’s music community and can help you book local artists who are passionate about the material.
• Prioritize inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring your event is welcoming to all members of the community.
• Have experience working with nonprofits or advocacy groups, as this can help you tie your event to a larger cause (e.g., mental health awareness or music education).

Why it matters: A well-curated event can turn a tribute into a movement. The right venue will help you create an experience that honors the artists’ legacies while fostering connection among attendees.

3. Songwriting Coaches with a Background in Narrative Lyricism

For musicians looking to channel the emotional depth of *Haunted* into their own work, a songwriting coach can be an invaluable resource. In Portland, seek out coaches who:

• Have a portfolio of work that demonstrates their ability to craft lyrics with narrative depth and emotional resonance.
• Are familiar with the traditions of folk, punk, and Americana—genres that prioritize storytelling over production.
• Offer workshops or group classes, which can provide a sense of community and accountability as you develop your craft.
• Are connected to local music scenes, such as the Portland Songwriters’ Guild, which can provide additional networking opportunities.

Why it matters: Songwriting is a solitary pursuit, but it doesn’t have to be. A coach can help you break through creative blocks and refine your voice, ensuring your work has the same impact as *Haunted*.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated music therapists, venue curators, and songwriting coaches in the Portland area today.