It’s been a year since the world lost one of its greatest songwriters. Journalist and author Sean O’Hagan explores the lyrical genius of Shane MacGowan and presents him as the voice of the Irish diaspora.

Throughout, we weave together MacGowan’s songs and interviews with new contributions from cultural icons and those who knew him best, seeking to understand his impact. Although Ireland’s population is only 5 million, 70 million people worldwide have Irish ancestry, making the Irish diaspora one of the largest.

The Pogues were a London-Irish band rather than merely Irish; This was a very important distinction. This identity is reflected not only in their punk-infused sound, but also in Shane MacGowan’s songwriting style, whether through the gritty urban realism of The Old Main Drag or the wounded romanticism of The Broad Majestic Shannon, a love song steeped in homesickness. Thanks to the six selected songs, we come to appreciate MacGowan’s art like that of an exile.

With contributions from Bono, Nick Cave, Victoria Mary Clarke, Sir Bob Geldof, Bobby Gillespie, Siobhan MacGowan, David Simon, Daragh Lynch and Peter Doherty.

Thanks to Linda Dowling Almeida and Richard Balls

Productions produced by Richard Power

A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4

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