In a heartfelt recollection shared on The Red Hand Files, Nick Cave opened up about a poignant moment he shared with Sinéad O’Connor during Shane MacGowan’s 60th birthday concert in Dublin. Despite not knowing O’Connor well, Cave had always admired her for her distinctiveness and ‘raging spirit.’ In his published recollection, He stated:
“Shane was not revered just for his manifold talents but also loved for himself alone. A beautiful and damaged man, who embodied a kind of purity and innocence and generosity and spiritual intelligence unlike any other.”
Cave also quoted O’Connor on what she said about MacGowen:
“Sinéad once said of Shane, ‘He is an angel. An actual angel.’ Whether or not this is the case, who’s to say? But Shane was blessed with an uncommon spirit of goodness and a deep sense of what is true, which was strangely amplified in his brokenness, his humanness. We can say of him most certainly, ‘he was beloved on the earth,’ and Sinéad too — truly beloved and greatly missed, both.”
Shane MacGowan And Sinéad O’Connor’s Close Friendship
Shane MacGowan and Sinéad O’Connor have shared a close and enduring friendship rooted in their shared Irish heritage and journey through the music industry. MacGowan and O’Connor have often expressed their admiration and support for each other’s work. With a deep understanding and appreciation of each other’s artistic talents and personal struggles, their friendship formed a respected bond in the music world. Before his own passing, Shane MacGowen offered his condolences to O’Connor on social media. He stated:
“Sinead you have always been there for me and for so many people, you have been a comfort & a soul who is not afraid to feel the pain of the suffering. You have always tried to heal & help. I pray that you can be comforted & find strength, healing & peace in your own sorrow & loss.”
MacGowan’s passing followed the announcement of O’Connor’s death, earlier this July.