Shane MacGowan and The Popes

Shane MacGowan and The Popes is a band formerly led by Shane MacGowan of the Pogues, who play a blend of rock, and Irish folk, sometimes referred to as Paddy Beat, borrowing from World Beat, a popular genre name in the 1980s. Shane MacGowan and the Popes released two studio and one live album in the 1990s. As well as serving as MacGowan's backing band, The Popes recorded one studio and one live album without MacGowan, and have toured on their own.

The band's line up has changed through the years. Members have included Paul 'Mad Dog' McGuinness (guitar), Tom McManamon (banjo), Andy Ireland (drums, vocals), and Bob Dowling (bass). Past members have included Mick O'Connell (accordion), Kieran "Mo" O' Hagan (Acoustic guitar, vocals), John Myers (fiddle, tin whistle), Danny Heatley (aka Danny Pope) (drums), Berni "The Undertaker" France (bass), Colm O'Maonlai (whistle), and Kieran Kiely (accordion, whistle). Long-time friend of McGowan, Johnny Depp joined to promote the single, 'That Woman's Got Me Drinking' in October 1994. Depp played guitar on the track, directed and appeared in the video, and made a string of appearances with Shane.

In March 2007, several former members appeared as The Popes at a memorial concert for Tom McManamon. Meanwhile, Guitarist McGuinness had already announced a new line up with a new album in the works. The "new" Popes are Paul McGuinness on guitar and vocals, Will Morrison on drums, Charlie Hoskyns on guitar, Fiachra Shanks on banjo, mandolin, and Declan Donnelly on fiddle, and Laurie Norwood on bass. This line-up has recorded a new album called 'Outlaw Heaven' that is currently being mixed by Chris Brown (Radiohead, etc). The album is to be released in September 2008 and the band will be starting a world tour in mid October 08. The tour will begin with 10 dates in England and continue around Europe and the USA.

In May 2007, the remaining members of the old band announced that they were reforming, calling themselves The Electric Popes. These include: Bob Dowling on bass, Andy Ireland on drums, Brian Kelly on mandolin and Denis Dowling. As of yet, The Electric Popes are unheard of.

Tom McManamon

On December 15, 2006, Tom McManamon died after a long battle with illness. As well as The Popes, he also played with Storm, The Pogues, Depeche Mode, Joe Strummer, U2, Sinead O'Connor, and many more. He was buried with his banjo in his hands on 5 January 2007.

Discography

Albums (With MacGowan)

*"The Snake" (October 1994)
*"The Crock of Gold" (October 1997)
*"The Rare Oul' Stuff", a 2-disc best-of collection, (January 2002)
*"" (February 2002)

The Popes Discography (without Shane)

*"Holloway Boulevard" (March 2000)
*"Release The Beast" (August 2004)
*"Outlaw Heaven" To be released (September 2008)

EPs

*"Are You Looking At Me?" (1998)

DVDs

*"Live at Montreux 1995" (November 2004)

External links

* [http://www.shanemacgowan.com/ Official Shane MacGowan website]
* [http://myspace.com/maddogrising The Popes Myspace Site]