Johnny Depp & Imelda May breathe new life into Haunted

Music Review | 29th April, 2026

A haunting tribute to Shane MacGowan’s poetic legacy

There’s something undeniably magnetic about a song that lingers long after it ends - and Haunted, as reimagined by Johnny Depp and Imelda May, does exactly that. Featured as the second single from the upcoming tribute album 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan, this version isn’t just a cover - it’s a deeply felt homage to one of music’s most uncompromising lyricists.

Curated by Victoria Mary Clarke alongside Rubyworks, the album gathers an eclectic lineup of artists to celebrate MacGowan’s songwriting genius. With names like Bruce Springsteen, Hozier, and Tom Waits involved, expectations are sky-high, but Depp and May’s take on Haunted stands out for its raw emotional pull.

Revisiting a classic with new emotional weight

Originally written for the Sid and Nancy soundtrack, Haunted became iconic through its 1995 duet form, transforming into a love song that feels both intimate and eternal. In the wake of the loss of both Shane MacGowan and Sinéad O’Connor in 2023, the track now carries an even deeper resonance.

Depp and May don’t try to replicate the original, they reinterpret it. Their version leans into a cinematic atmosphere, with stripped-back instrumentation that lets the emotion do the heavy lifting. Depp’s understated vocal delivery pairs surprisingly well with May’s rich, expressive tone, creating a balance that feels both fragile and grounded.

Chemistry, connection, and quiet intensity

What makes this collaboration work isn’t just technical ability - it’s connection. There’s a sense that both artists fully understand the weight of what they’re performing. Imelda May’s voice carries a warmth and reverence, while Depp brings a reflective, almost haunted presence that suits the song’s themes perfectly.

Rather than overpowering the track, they let it breathe. The result is something intimate, almost like overhearing a private conversation between two people bound by shared loss and admiration.

Part of a bigger musical tribute

Haunted follows the momentum of Bruce Springsteen’s lead single A Rainy Night in Soho, setting the tone for what 20th Century Paddy aims to achieve: not just a tribute album, but a collective love letter to Shane MacGowan’s legacy.

The project itself was an idea MacGowan had long envisioned, now brought to life by those closest to him. With contributions spanning genres and generations, it reflects the wide-reaching impact of his work.

Final thoughts: a cover that feels like a conversation

This version of Haunted doesn’t try to outshine the original - it honors it. Johnny Depp and Imelda May deliver something understated yet powerful, rooted in respect, grief, and genuine admiration.

It’s not just about revisiting a great song. It’s about preserving its soul while letting it evolve - and in that sense, this rendition succeeds beautifully.

If the rest of 20th Century Paddy carries this level of sincerity, it won’t just celebrate Shane MacGowan’s music, it will remind us why it still matters.

The single, Haunted, is available through all streaming platforms.

Photo Credit: Chantal Hourihan PR