The Waterboys performing in 2003, 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2023
The Waterboys are a band formed in 1983 by Mike Scott. The band's membership, past and present, has been composed mainly of Scottish, Irish, English, Welsh and American musicians, with Edinburgh, London, Dublin, Spiddal, New York and Findhorn serving as a base for the group. They have explored a number of different styles, dissolved in 1993 when Scott departed to pursue a solo career and then reformed in 2000. They continue to release albums and tour worldwide. World Party was made up of former Waterboys members.[lower-alpha 1]
Over 85 musicians have performed live as a Waterboy.[1][2] Some have spent only a short time with the band, contributing to a single tour or album, while others have been long-term members with significant contributions. Scott has stated that "We’ve had more members I believe than any other band in rock history" and believes that the nearest challengers are Santana and The Fall.[3]
The Waterboys have gone through different musical phases as well as line-ups. In 2019 Scott wrote "The Waterboys is a timeless, genre-confounding band. We belong in no box."[4]
History
The Waterboys were formed by Mike Scott in 1982, under the name The Red and The Black.[5] Scott was soon joined by saxophonist Anthony Thistlethwaite. Under this name, the band played nine gigs before starting recording. Scott and Thistlethwaite were joined by drummer Kevin Wilkinson.[5] In March 1983, the band released their first single "A Girl Called Johnny" under the name The Waterboys.[6]
For the band's first performance under this name was in May 1983 on the Old Grey Whistle Test, they were joined by Norman Rodger on bass, Karl Wallinger on keyboards, and Preston Heyman covering for Wilkinson on drums.[5] The band released their first, self titled album in July, it featured demos that Scott had recorded between 1981 and 1982, some featuring Thistlethwaite, Wilkinson and Rodger.[7]
The band's first ever concert took place in February 1984, and included Scott, Thistlethwaite, Wallinger and Wilkinson, alongside trumpeter Roddy Lorimer, backing vocalist Eddi Reader, bassist Martin Swain and lead guitarist John Caldwell.[5] The band returned to a five piece for touring (without Lorimer, Reader and Caldwell).[5] Wilkinson was replaced by Chris Whitten in late 1984.[8] In mid 1985, Steve Wickham joined on fiddle, influencing the band's style into folk music. After a north American tour in November 1985, Whitten and Wallinger both left. The two were replaced by Dave Ruffy and Guy Chambers respectively.[5]
In January 1986, Scott and Thistlethwaite relocated to Dublin (where Wickham is from), creating a new line-up with bassist Trevor Hutchinson and drummer Peter McKinney.[9] Fran Breen briefly replaced McKinney for a show in August.[9] In December, Scott, Thistlethwaite and Wickham did some sessions in San Francisco with legendary drummer Jim Keltner.[9]
The band returned to live performances in April 1987, again with Hutchinson and McKinney, although McKinney was replaced by Breen in May.[9] The band was also joined by pipe and whistle player Vinnie Kilduff.[9] Roddy Lorimer also briefly rejoined.[9] In April 1988, the band returned to recording, with new drummer Jay Dee Daugherty, gaelic singer Tomas Mac Eoin and flautist/pianist Colin Blakey.[9] Breen returned in December for touring, althpugh he was again replaced by Daugherty in February 1989.[9] Accordionist Sharon Shannon joined in May 1989, replacing Kilduff, alongside Noel Bridgeman, replacing Daugherty.[9]
Wickham left in July 1990, causing Shannon, Bridgeman and Blakey to also depart.[9] Scott, Thistlethwaite and Hutchinson continued with drummer Ken Blevins, until Hutchinson left in April 1991.[10] The band entered a hiatus after their contract with Ensign Records expired in May and Scott and Thistlethwaite split in December.[10] In January 1992, Scott began recording Dream Harder in New York with many American musicians, most notably Chris Bruce (guitar), Scott Thunes (bass) and Carla Azar (drums), all of whom played with Scott on Top of the Pops,[10] After which Scott continued his solo career.
In Summer 2000, Scott reformed The Waterboys with a line-up including Richard Naiff on keyboards and flute, Livingston Brown on bass and Jeremy Stacey on drums.[11][12] In October the band were joined by Tom Windriff (drums, backing vocals), John Baggott (keyboards, backing vocals) and Gordon Davis (bass, backing vocals).[12] In January 2001, Jo Wadeson and Ian McNabb replaced Davis and Baggott respectively.[13]
Wickham rejoined in March 2001, alongside Jay Dee Daugherty, although he was replaced by Ray Fean in July, who was then replaced by Geoff Dugmore in August.[13] McNabb returned in May 2002, replacing Wadeson on bass.[14] In June 2002, Brad Waissman and Paul Beavis joined on bass and drums respectively.[14] Dugmore returned in January 2003.[15]
Steve Walters and Carlos Hercules joined as new rhythm section in October 2003.[15] In May 2005, Scott, Wickham and Naiff were briefly rejoined by Thistlethwaite (on bass) and Breen, as well as Sharron Shannon and Leo Moran for one show.[16] The band were also briefly joined by Liam O'Maonlai on keyboards. Walters and Hercules returned in January 2006. By the time the band started recording in August 2006, they were joined by Leo Abrahams on lead guitar, Mark Smith on bass and Brady Blade on drums. Although when in came to touring in March 2007, Abrahams and Blade did not participate. Damon Wilson took up drums.
In February 2009, longtime keyboardist Richard Naiff departed the band.[17] He was replaced by John McCullough, as well as Carlos Hercules returning on drums. In March 2010, the band expanded the line-up featuring Joe Chester on lead guitar, Simon Wallace on keyboards, Ash Soan on drums, Katie Kim on second vocals, Marc Arciero on bass, Blaise Margail on trombone, Ruby Ashley on oboe and Sarah Allen on flute.[17] Paul "Binzer" Brennan replaced Soan in June 2010 and James Hallawell replaced Wallace that August.[17]
In January 2011, the band were joined by Ralph Salmins on drums and Kate St John on oboe.[18] Melvin Duffy (pedal steel, guitar) joined the band for 2011 summer shows, alongside Scott, Hallawell, Wickham, Arciero and Brennan.[19] Salmins returned in May 2011.[20] The band played some Australian shows in early 2013, at which they were joined by Sarah Calderwood on vocals and flute.[21] For North American dates in 2013, Scott and Wickham were joined by Elizabeth Ziman (vocals), Jay Barclay (guitar), Daniel Mintseris (keyboards), Malcolm Gold (bass), Ezra Oklan (drums) and Chris Layer (flute).[22] Ziman and Layer departed and Chris Benelli replaced Oklan for Canadian dates.[23]
When the band returned to Britain/Ireland, they were joined by the returning by Arciero, Duffy and Salmins and the new Brother Paul Brown on keyboards.[24] Thistlethwaite and Hutchinson returned for a Fisherman's Blues revisited tour in December 2013, this tour also included Scott, Wickham and Salmins.[25] In June 2014, the core trio and Brown were joined by Niall C. Lawlor (lap steel) and Shane Fitzsimmons (bass). Lawlor and Fitzsimmons were replaced by Zach Ernst (lead guitar) and David Hood by December 2014.[26] This line-up continued until August 2016.
In 2017, the band consisted of Scott, Wickham and Brown, alongside Bart Walker (guitar), Aongus Ralston (bass), Jon Green (drums) and backing vocalists Jess Kavanagh and Zeenie Summers. Walker and Green departed in 2017, Salmins returned again. Gavin Ralston joined on guitar for a European tour in 2019. Aongus Ralston was briefly replaced by Jeff Adams for a North American tour in the same year,[27] tech Neil Mahony also played bass as he had previously done in 2016. All subsequent touring was cancelled due to COVID-19.
When the band returned in late 2021, Hallawell rejoined as pianist and Eamon Ferris replaced Salmins. Wickham retired from touring in February 2022.[28]
Members info
Anthony Thistlethwaite was an original member of the band, and remained a member until 1991 when the band broke up, although he also joined a few recording sessions for A Rock in the Weary Land. After Scott and Wickham, Thistlethwaite has more songwriting credits than any other Waterboy. His saxophone (regularly featured in solos) was one half of the early group's distinctive brass section, while his mandolin playing came to the forefront during the group's Irish folk phase; but he has also played bass, keyboards and a number of other instruments for the band. He pressed to return the Waterboys to a rock music sound after Room to Roam, but did not appear on Dream Harder, the result of that decision. He is now a member of The Saw Doctors, and has also released three solo albums.
Original member Kevin Wilkinson was the band's drummer from 1983 to 1984, and continued to play in some studio sessions afterwards. His later appeared on A Rock in the Weary Land. He led the rhythm section of the group during its "Big Music" phase, sometimes without the assistance of any bass guitar. Scott describes Wilkinson's drumming as "bright and angular, an unusual sound".[29]
Karl Wallinger joined the group in 1983, shortly after its formation. He left the group two years later, but in that relatively short period made important contributions to both A Pagan Place and This Is the Sea. He co-wrote "Don't Bang the Drum", the environmentalism anthem on the latter album. His keyboards and synthesiser work expanded the group's sound, and he also did some studio work for demo sessions. Wallinger's World Party project was heavily influenced by his work with the Waterboys and also featured other former members.
Roddy Lorimer's participation began in 1983, contributing his trumpet playing "on and off"[30] until 1990. He and Thistlethwaite took turns leading the brass section of the band, and Lorimer was also a featured soloist, most famously on "The Whole of the Moon" and "Don't Bang the Drum". He further contributed backing vocals to the song. His trumpet style is a combination of his classical training with an experimental approach encouraged by Scott.[31] Lorimer returned for some studio work in 2006.[30]
Steve Wickham transformed the group when he joined in 1985; his interest in folk music directly resulted in the band's change of direction. His initial involvement with the Waterboys ended in 1990 when Scott and Thistlethwaite wanted to return to rock and roll, but Wickham rejoined the group in 2000 and remained until 2022 (when he stepped down from regular involvement).[28] Described by Scott as "the world's greatest rock fiddle player",[32] he has written more songs for the band than anyone other than Scott, including the group's handful of instrumental recordings.
After 2000, Richard Naiff became one of the three core band members.
Richard Naiff first recorded with the band in 1999, and joined permanently in 2000. As of 2007, he was a core member, along with Scott and Wickham. He is a classically trained pianist and flautist, and plays keyboards for the Waterboys. Ian McNabb described him as Scott's "find of the century"[33] and reviewers have described him as "phenomenally talented".[34] Naiff officially left the Waterboys in February 2009 to spend more time with his family.[17]
The Waterboys line-up as of 2010 appeared at the world premiere of An Appointment With Mr Yeats at The Abbey Theatre, Dublin.[37] They expanded into a 9-piece band in the autumn of 2017 for their tour of the UK, Ireland and Europe.
The Waterboys are a rock band formed in 1983 by Scottish musician and songwriter Mike Scott. The band's membership, past and present, has been composed mainly of musicians from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England. Mike Scott has remained the only constant member throughout the band's career. They have explored a number of different styles, but their music is mainly a mix of folk music with rock and roll. They dissolved in 1993 when Scott departed to pursue a solo career. The group reformed in 2000, and continue to release albums and to tour worldwide. Scott emphasises a continuity between the Waterboys and his solo work, saying that "To me there's no difference between Mike Scott and the Waterboys; they both mean the same thing. They mean myself and whoever are my current travelling musical companions."
The Waterboys is the debut studio album by the Waterboys, released by Ensign Records in July 1983. The album was recorded in several studio sessions between December 1981 and November 1982. Allmusic describes the sound of the album as "part Van Morrison, part U2".
Dream Harder is the sixth studio album by the Waterboys, released by Geffen Records on 24 May 1993. Led by Scottish singer-songwriter-instrumentalist Mike Scott, the album features none of the earlier UK-based band members and instead finds Scott backed by American session musicians. It was the last Waterboys album before Scott spent seven years pursuing a formal solo career, with Bring 'Em All In (1995) and Still Burning (1997). The album reached position 171 on the Billboard Top 200 charts, surpassing the previous Waterboys album Room to Roam, in spite of a less-than-enthusiastic response from critics to the album's sound.
A Pagan Place is the second studio album by the Waterboys, released by Ensign Records on 28 May 1984. It was the first Waterboys record with Karl Wallinger as part of the band and also includes Roddy Lorimer's first trumpet solo for the band on the track "A Pagan Place".
This Is the Sea is the third studio album by the Waterboys, released on 16 September 1985 by Ensign Records. The last of their "Big Music" albums, it is considered by critics to be the finest album of the Waterboys' early rock-oriented sound, described as "epic" and "a defining moment". It peaked at number 37 in the UK Albums Chart. Steve Wickham makes his Waterboys recording debut playing violin on "The Pan Within" and subsequently joined the band. This Is the Sea is the last Waterboys album with contributions from Karl Wallinger, who left the group to form his own band, World Party.
Fisherman's Blues is the fourth studio album by the Waterboys, released by Ensign Records in October 1988. The album marked a change in the band's sound, with them abandoning their earlier grandiose rock sound for a mixture of traditional Irish music, traditional Scottish music, country music, and rock and roll. Critics were divided on its release with some disappointed at the change of direction and others ranking it among the Waterboys' best work. The album was the Waterboys' best selling album, reaching a number 13 placing on the U.K. charts on release, and 76 on the Billboard 200.
Michael Scott is a Scottish singer, songwriter, and musician. He is the founding member, lead singer, guitarist and songwriter of rock band The Waterboys. He has also produced two solo albums, Bring 'Em All In and Still Burning. Scott is a vocalist, guitarist and pianist, and has played a large range of other instruments, including the bouzouki, drums, and Hammond organ on his albums. Scott is also a published writer, having released his autobiography, Adventures of a Waterboy, in 2012.
A Rock in the Weary Land is the seventh studio album by the Waterboys, released in 2000 by BMG International. It was their first album after a seven-year break, but mostly continues the hard rock vein of the previous album Dream Harder (1993). The album cover photography is by Steve Gullick.
Too Close to Heaven is a collection of outtakes, alternative versions, and unreleased tracks from The Waterboys' Fisherman's Blues period, released September 2001. The album was released as Fisherman's Blues, Part 2 in the United States with five additional tracks in July of that year.
Steve Wickham is an Irish musician. Originally from Marino, Dublin, but calling Sligo home, Wickham was a founding member of In Tua Nua and played violin on the classic U2 song "Sunday Bloody Sunday", as well as recordings by Elvis Costello, the Hothouse Flowers, Sinéad O'Connor, and World Party. He is a long-standing member of The Waterboys. Wickham plays both rock and roll and traditional Irish music, and has developed a rock music technique for violin he calls the "fuzz fiddle".
Karma to Burn is the first official live album from The Waterboys. It also contains tracks from Mike Scott's solo career: "Bring 'em All In," "Long Way to the Light," "My Dark Side," and "Open."
Richard Naiff is a British pianist and flautist from London who has performed with the bands Soulsec, The Catacoustics, The Waterboys and The Icicle Works. Naiff is a classically trained musician, having joined the Guildhall School of Music at age ten. The Irish music website Cluas.com describes Naiff as "phenomenally talented".
"Fisherman's Blues" is a song from folk rock band The Waterboys, which was released in 1988 as the lead single from their fourth studio album of the same name. It was written by Mike Scott and Steve Wickham, and produced by Scott. The song reached number 3 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, number 13 in Ireland and number 32 in the UK.
"And a Bang on the Ear" is a song from Scottish-Irish folk rock band the Waterboys, released on 19 June 1989 as the second single from their fourth studio album, Fisherman's Blues. It was written by Mike Scott, and produced by John Dunford and Scott. The song reached No. 1 in Ireland and No. 51 in the United Kingdom.
Book of Lightning is the ninth studio album by the Waterboys, released on 2 April 2007 through W14/Universal Records. The album contains ten tracks, produced by Mike Scott and Philip Tennant, with musical contributions from Steve Wickham (fiddle), Richard Naiff (keyboards), Brady Blade (drums), Mark Smith (bass), Leo Abrahams, Jeremy Stacey (drums) plus long-time Waterboys alumni Roddy Lorimer (trumpet), Chris Bruce and Thighpaulsandra (keyboards). Book of Lightning was recorded in London with the exceptions of one song recorded in Vancouver with members of Canadian art-pop band Great Aunt Ida, and another in Scott's home studio.
"The Whole of the Moon" is a song by Scottish band the Waterboys, released as a single from their album This Is the Sea in October 1985. It is a classic of the band's repertoire and has been consistently played at live shows ever since its release. Written and produced by Mike Scott, the subject of the song has inspired some speculation.
An Appointment with Mr. Yeats is the tenth studio album by the Waterboys, released on 19 September 2011 through W14/Proper Records. The album contains 14 tracks, all of which are based upon the poetry of W. B. Yeats, a long term influence on lead-songwriter Mike Scott.
Where the Action Is is the thirteenth studio album by the Waterboys, released by Cooking Vinyl on 24 May 2019. It reached No. 21 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 3 on the UK Independent Albums Chart.
"A Life of Sundays" is a song by the Scottish-Irish folk rock band The Waterboys, which was released in 1990 as a track on their fifth studio album Room to Roam. It was written by Mike Scott and produced by Barry Beckett and Scott. In the United States, the song reached No. 15 on Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and remained on the chart for nine weeks.
Good Luck, Seeker is the fourteenth studio album by the Waterboys, which was released by Cooking Vinyl on 21 August 2020.
1 2 "SUMMER FESTIVALS 2011". 10 January 2011. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. Three summer festivals have just been announced. The Waterboys will appear as a six-piece, with new lap steel and guitar player MELVIN DUFFY augmenting the band.
1 2 "GERMAN SHOWS, MARCH 2012". 4 November 2011. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. will feature Mike Scott (vocals, guitar, piano), Steve Wickham (fiddle), Katie Kim (vocals), James Hallawell (keyboards), Marc Arciero (bass), Ralph Salmins (drums) and Melvin Duffy (guitar and pedal steel).
1 2 "NEW NORTH AMERICAN BAND". 11 February 2013. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. The new musicians are: Elizabeth Ziman (vocals, from the band Elizabeth And The Catapult), Jay Barclay (guitar), Daniel Mintseris (keyboards, a member of St Vincent), Malcolm Gold (bass), Ezra Oklan (drums) and Chris Layer (flute).
1 2 "Waterboys North American Autumn Tour". 7 June 2013. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. The aforementioned line-up includes Jay Barclay (guitar), Malcolm Gold (bass), Daniel Mintseris (keyboards) and Chris Benelli (drums).
1 2 "NEW NORTH AMERICAN BAND". 11 February 2013. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. The British/Irish band, with Ralph, James, Archie & Mel, will continue to play round the world
1 2 "BOX SET AND 'FISHERMAN'S BLUES REVISITED' TOUR". 21 March 2013. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. reuniting Mike and Steve with Fisherman's-era members Anto Thistlethwaite and Trevor Hutchinson. The famous four will be joined by drummer Ralph Salmins
↑ "RICHARD NAIFF LEAVES WATERBOYS". 25 February 2009. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. After nearly ten years of music Richard Naiff is leaving The Waterboys
↑ "ACOUSTIC SHOW IN ENNIS, IRELAND". 25 February 2009. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. Mike and Steve will be joined by Belfast keyboard player John McCullough
↑ "AN APPOINTMENT WITH MR YEATS - SHOW DATES". 7 July 2009. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. the current five-piece band – Mike, Steve Wickham, Mark Smith, Carlos Hercules and John McCullough - plus additional musicians including the great Michael McGoldrick on flute, Catalan trombonist Blaise Margall and backing vocals by exquisite new Irish rock singer Katie Kim,
↑ "MARK SMITH 1960-2009". 3 November 2009. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. We're very sorry to inform you all that our friend and colleague, Waterboys bass player Mark Smith, has died unexpectedly at his home in London.
↑ "APPOINTMENT WITH MR YEATS SHOWS ALMOST SOLD OUT". 11 December 2009. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. in addition to Mike Scott and Steve Wickham include Irish singer Katie Kim; flute player Sarah Allen (who replaces Mike McGoldrick); pianoman Simon Wallace; Irish singer/guitarist Joe Chester; and Catalan trombonist Blaise Margail.
↑ "MORE MUSICIANS CONFIRMED FOR THE". 27 January 2010. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. Latest additions to the Waterboys line-up for An Appointment With Mr Yeats are Ash Soan (drums), Marc Arciero (bass) and Ruby Ashley (oboe). They will join Mike Scott, Steve Wickham, Joe Chester (guitar), Katie Kim (vocals), Simon Wallace (keyboards), Sarah Allen (flute) and Blaise Margail (trombone)
↑ "BRONNOYSUND: WHAT HAPPENED". 23 July 2010. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. The line-up included new drummer Binzer, bassist Archie Arciero and pianoman Simon Wallace.
↑ "PORTUGUESE FESTIVAL IN EVORA, AUG 1". 25 June 2010. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. The Waterboys have been confirmed for Festival Alentejo, Evora, Portugal, on 1st August. This will be a five-piece band show with Mike Scott, Steve Wickham, Jeremy Stacey (drums), Simon Wallace (keyboards) and Marc Arciero (bass).
↑ "JAMES HALLAWELL JOINS THE WATERBOYS". 23 August 2010. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. James Hallawell, ace keyboard player and veteran of Mike Scott's late '90s band, has joined The Waterboys and will be performing at all the band's shows,
↑ "KATE ST JOHN JOINS". 10 January 2011. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. English musician and composer Kate St John will join The Waterboys for their upcoming performances of Appointment With Mr Yeats in the UK (Jan 30 - Feb 4). Kate was invited to join the ensemble by Mike Scott and will play oboe, sax and cor anglais.
↑ "AN APPOINTMENT WITH MR YEATS ALBUM - OUT SEPT 19!". 7 July 2011. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. All the musicians from the most recent Mr Yeats concerts are featured: Steve Wickham (fiddle), Katie Kim (vocals), James Hallawell (keyboards), Kate St John (sax, oboe, cor anglais), Blaise Margail (trombone), Ralph Salmins (drums), Sarah Allen (flute) and Joe Chester (guitar) as well as Scott and Arciero. The album was recorded in London and Dublin between March and June 2011.
↑ "WATERBOYS SPANISH TOUR APRIL 2012". 20 February 2012. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. These shows will be played by the 5-piece line-up of the band, featuring Mike Scott, Steve Wickham, James Hallawell, Marc Arciero and Ralph Salmins.
1 2 "CANADIAN DATES - JULY 2013". 31 March 2013. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024. The Waterboys will play a series of dates this summer in Canada. These will be regular Waterboys shows featuring the new American line-up.
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