List of Waterboys members

Last updated

The Waterboys in Antwerp 2003 4.jpg
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The Waterboys Kongsberg Jazzfestival 2017 (193122).jpg
The Waterboys performing in 2003, 2012 and 2017.

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]

Contents

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

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 guitar, 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". [5]

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.

Roddy Lorimer's participation began in 1983, contributing his trumpet playing "on and off" [6] 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. [7] Lorimer returned for some studio work in 2006. [6]

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). Described by Scott as "the world's greatest rock fiddle player", [8] 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 in Antwerp 2003 1.JPG
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" [9] and reviewers have described him as "phenomenally talented". [10] Naiff officially left the Waterboys in February 2009 to spend more time with his family. [11]

Other notable past members have included Ian McNabb, leader of Icicle Works; Sharon Shannon, who became Ireland's all-time best-selling traditional musician; [12] the experimental musician Thighpaulsandra, producer Guy Chambers, Patti Smith drummers Jay Dee Daugherty and Carlos Hercules, bassists Steve Walters and Mark Smith who was the band's bassist when he died on 3 November 2009. [13]

The Waterboys line-up as of 2010 appeared at the world premiere of An Appointment With Mr Yeats at The Abbey Theatre, Dublin. [14] They expanded into a 9-piece band in the autumn of 2017 for their tour of the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Members

Current members

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributions
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Mike Scott
  • 1981–94
  • 1998–present
  • vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
 all releases
The Waterboys - Festival du Bout du Monde 2012 - 008.jpg
James Hallawell
  • 2010–2013
  • 2021-present
  • keyboards
  • backing vocals
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Brother Paul Brown2013–present
The Waterboys Kongsberg Jazzfestival 2017 (193730).jpg
Aongus Ralston2016–presentbass
Eamon Ferris2021–presentdrums

Former members

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributions
Anthony Thistlethwaite [15]
  • 1982–1991
  • 2013
  • saxophone
  • backing vocals
  • bass
  • mandolin
  • harmonica
  • organ
  • piano
Kevin Wilkinson [15] 1982–1985 (died 1999)
  • drums
  • backing vocals
  • bass
Norman Rodger1983bass The Waterboys (1983)
Preston Hayman drums
Adrian Johnston
  • 1983
  • 1985
  • drums
  • piano
 This Is the Sea (1985)
Karl Wallinger.jpg
Karl Wallinger [15] 1983–1985 (died 2024)
  • keyboards
  • backing vocals
  • bass synth
 A Pagan Place (1984)
Roddy Lorimer [16]
  • 1983–1990
  • 2007
  • trumpet
  • backing vocals
Martyn Swain1984–1985bass This Is the Sea (1985)
John Caldwell [17] 1984guitar
Eddi Reader, Costa del Folk festival in Mallorca 2016 (26445910010).jpg
Eddi Reader [17] backing vocals A Pagan Place (1984)
Chris Whitten [18] 1984–1985drums
Frank Biddulph1985fiddle
Marco Sin [17] bass
Pil13 2009.jpg
Lu Edmonds This Is the Sea (1985)
Max Edievocals This Is the Sea (1985)
The Waterboys Kongsberg Jazzfestival 2017 (193430).jpg
Steve Wickham
  • 1985–1990
  • 2001–2022
  • electric fiddle
  • mandolin
  • organ
  • vocals
Guy Chambers [17] 1985–1986piano The Live Adventures of (1998)
Dave Ruffy [17]
  • drums
  • backing vocals
20081207 Trevor Hutchinson.jpg
Trevor Hutchinson [19]
  • 1986–1991
  • 2013
  • bass
  • bouzouki
Peter McKinney [19] 1986–1988drums Fisherman's Blues (1988)
Fran Breen [20] Fisherman's Blues (1988)
Liam O'Connor1987accordion
VINNIE PERFORMING AT THE EBN CONGRESS DERRY 2013.jpg
Vinnie Kilduff [20] 1987–1989
  • uilleann pipes
  • tin whistle
  • guitar
 Fisherman's Blues (1988)
Colin Blakey [20] 1987–1990
  • flute
  • whistle
  • piano
  • organ
Tomas Mac Eoin [20] 1988–1989vocals Fisherman's Blues (1988)
Jay-Dee-Daugherty patti-smith DSC06396.jpg
Jay Dee Daugherty [20]
  • 1988–1989
  • 2001
drums Fisherman's Blues (1988)
Sharon Shannon playing accordion.jpg
Sharon Shannon [20]
  • 1989–1990
  • 2004
  • accordion
  • fiddle
Noel Bridgeman [20] 1989–1990 (died 2021)drums
Ken Blevins [20] 1990–1991 Room to Roam (1990)
Tim Sanders1990sax
Simon Clarke
Chris Bruce1992–93lead guitar
Scott Thunes 20Aug2007.jpg
Scott Thunes bass Dream Harder (1993)
Carla Azar.jpg
Carla Azar drums Dream Harder (1993)
Jeremy Stacey (percussionist).jpg
Jeremy Stacey [21]
  • 1999–2000
  • 2006
  • 2008
Richard Naiff [21]
  • 1999–2008
  • 2014
  • keyboards
  • flute
Livingstone Brown [21] 1999–2000bass A Rock in the Weary Land (2000)
Gordon Davis2000
Adam Snyderkeyboards
John Baggot
Jo Wadeson2000–2001bass
Tom Windriffdrums
Ray Fean2001
Ian McNabb, Digbeth 2014.jpg
Ian McNabb
  • 2001
  • 2002
  • keyboards
  • bass
 All Souls Hill (2022)
Geoff Dugmore 2001–2003drums
Paul Beavis2002 A Rock in the Weary Land (2000)
Brad Waissman2002–2003bass
Carlos Hercules [22]
  • 2003–2006
  • 2009
drums Karma to Burn (2005)
Steve Walters [22] 2003–2006bass
Hothouse Flowers.jpg
Liam Ó Maonlaí [23] 2005keyboards
Mark Smith (musician).jpg
Mark Smith 2006–2009 (until his death)bass
Damon Wilson2007–2008drums
John McCullough2009keyboards
Katiekim.jpg
Katie Kim [24] 2009–2012vocals An Appointment with Mr Yeats (2011)
Ash Soan.png
Ash Soan 2009–2010drums
Joe Chester [24]
  • 2009–2012
  • 2014
  • lead guitar
  • backing vocals
 An Appointment with Mr Yeats (2011)
Simon Wallace 2009–2010keyboards
The Waterboys - Festival du Bout du Monde 2012 - 003.jpg
Marc Arciero2009–2013bass An Appointment with Mr Yeats (2011)
Blaise Margail [24] 2010–2011trombone
Ruby Ashley2010
  • oboe
  • cor anglais
Sarah Allen [24] 2010–2012flute An Appointment with Mr Yeats (2011)
Paul "Binzer" Brennandrums
The Waterboys Kongsberg Jazzfestival 2017 (193405).jpg
Ralph Salmins2011–2021
Kate St John [24] 2011–2012
  • oboe
  • cor anglais
  • saxophone
 An Appointment with Mr Yeats (2011)
The Waterboys - Festival du Bout du Monde 2012 - 015.jpg
Melvin Duffy2011–2013
  • pedal steel
  • guitar
 All Souls Hill (2022)
Sarah Calderwood [25] 2013
  • flute
  • vocals
Elizabeth Ziman [25] vocals
Chris Layer [25] flute
Malcolm Goldbass
Daniel Mintseriskeyboards
Chris Benellidrums
Jay Barclay2013–2014guitar
Shane Fitzsimons[ sic ]2014bass
Niall C. Lawlor [2] lap steel
Zach Ernst [26] 2014–2016guitar
David Hood [27] bass
Neil Mahony [28]
  • 2016
  • 2019
 Out of All This Blue (2017)
Jon Green [29] 2017drums
Bart Walker [29] guitar
Zeenie Summers2017–2020vocals Good Luck, Seeker (2020)
Jess Kavanagh
Jeff Adams [2] 2019
  • bass
  • backing vocals
 Modern Blues (2015)

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Whole of the Moon</span> 1985 single by the Waterboys

"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.

"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.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Bang the Drum</span> 1985 single by The Waterboys

"Don't Bang the Drum" is a song by British band the Waterboys, released as the opening track on their third studio album, This Is the Sea. It was written by Mike Scott and Karl Wallinger, and produced by Scott. The song was released as a single in Germany and was also issued as a 12" promotional vinyl in the United States.

References

  1. ↑ "67 Waterboys (2)". Mike Scott on Twitter. Retrieved 15 April 2013
  2. 1 2 3 "Past and Present Waterboys". mikescottwaterboys.com. Retrieved 19 April 2013
  3. ↑ "The Waterboys: The 13th Floor Interview Archived 15 February 2015 at the Wayback Machine . 13th Floor. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
  4. ↑ . Mike Scott (@mickpuck) on Twitter, 5:37pm, 27 Sep 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  5. ↑ Scott, Mike (2004) Recording Notes in This is the Sea (p. 5) [CD liner notes] London: EMI
  6. 1 2 "FAQ". mikescottwaterboys. Archived from the original on 11 April 2008. Retrieved 28 October 2005.
  7. ↑ "Roddy Lorimer". Kick Horns Line Up. Archived from the original on 24 October 2005. Retrieved 31 October 2005.
  8. ↑ Wickham agrees. "An interview with Steve Wickham". Archived from the original on 15 February 2005. Retrieved 22 October 2005.
  9. ↑ "Karma to Burn reports". mikescottwaterboys. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 3 November 2005.
  10. ↑ "Universal Hall, Findhorn, Scotland, January 2002". Cluas.com Irish music. Retrieved 30 October 2005.
  11. ↑ "Waterboys news updates". mikescottwaterboys. Archived from the original on 30 March 2010. Retrieved 11 April 2010.
  12. ↑ "Sharon Shannon biography 2005" (PDF). The Daisy Label. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 May 2006. Retrieved 30 October 2005.
  13. ↑ "Bassist Mark Smith Dies". Music Week Web. Retrieved 11 April 2010.
  14. ↑ "Abbey Events". Abbey Theatre Home. Archived from the original on 5 December 2010. Retrieved 11 April 2010.
  15. 1 2 3 Scott (2012) p. 59
  16. ↑ Scott (2012) p. 84
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 "Chronology 1978-85". 2 September 2012. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  18. ↑ Scott (2012) p. 70
  19. 1 2 Mike, Scott (2006). "Fisherman's Blues, Roots and the Celtic Soul". mikescottwaterboys. Archived from the original on 2 April 2013. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Chronology 1986-90". 10 September 2007. Archived from the original on 10 September 2007. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  21. 1 2 3 Scott (2012) p. 294
  22. 1 2 "The Waterboys". The Waterboys. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  23. ↑ "7 Days and Nights in Dingle". mikescottwaterboys.com/Wayback Machine. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 "The Waterboys". The Waterboys. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  25. 1 2 3 "A date with WB Yeats and the Waterboys in New York City". IrishCentral. Retrieved 13 April 2013
  26. ↑ Meighan, Nicola (24 December 2014) " 'Journey songs' chart a career spent conquering new ground". Glasgow. The Herald.
  27. ↑ "The Waterboys share first track from new album, Modern Blues". Uncut. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  28. ↑ "Mike's Song in Support of Megumi Igarashi". mikescottwaterboys.com Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  29. 1 2 "New 9-Piece Big Band Line-Up". mikescottwaterboys.com Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  1. ↑ Karl Wallinger formed the band, Guy Chambers and Chris Whitten later left The Waterboys to join World Party.

Bibliography

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