Raise a glass and prepare to stomp your feet: The Pogues' groundbreaking album, Rum Sodomy & The Lash, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Originally released on August 5, 1985, the album perfectly captured the raw energy and poetic lyricism that cemented The Pogues' legacy as pioneers of Irish folk-punk. To mark the occasion, a special 40th-anniversary reissue is set to be released on October 25, 2025.
The new edition will be available as a collectible 2LP red marble vinyl and a Deluxe 2CD set. Both versions include the original album plus a bonus disc of rare material. This bonus disc features the legendary Poguetry In Motion EP, tracks from a 1985 BBC Janice Long session, original single B-sides, and two rare live recordings of "A Pair Of Brown Eyes" and "Sally MacLennane" from a 1987 Glasgow Barrowland show. The collection also includes a previously unavailable rough mix of the band's cover of The Lovin’ Spoonful's "Do You Believe In Magic."
Produced by the legendary Elvis Costello, Rum Sodomy & The Lash was The Pogues' second studio album. Costello famously said his goal was to "capture them in their dilapidated glory before some more professional producer fucked them up." The album reached number 13 on the UK charts and features timeless classics like "A Pair Of Brown Eyes," "Sally MacLennane," and "Dirty Old Town."
In addition to the reissue, The Pogues are heading on their first North American tour in 13 years this September. They will play a headline tour across the U.S. and Canada, with special guest vocalists and musicians, bringing the music of this iconic album to fans once more.
The Pogues 40th Anniversary Tour Dates
September 5: Lincoln Theatre, Washington DC
September 7: The Seisiún Festival, Boston
September 8: Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia
September 10: History, Toronto
September 12: MTELUS, Montreal
September 13: City Folk Festival, Ottawa
September 16 & 17: Terminal 5, New York
September 19: Riot Festival, Chicago
