Irish band The Waterboys called to me with their cinematic music from the 80’s. It was “Big Music”. Mike Scott, the centrifugal force to this day, had passion and lyrics that captured. He also had the tunes. These were all mounted with a huge ambient sound. A sound that was a big part of the early 80’s. They other key factor of the bands music is Scott’s defining voice. No matter where he has anchored the boat throughout his career, you can tell it’s The Waterboys by his voice alone.
After the first few albums, Scott started writing Celtic Folk. It had a Dylanesque quality, but still sounded like The Waterboys. The change in direction makes sense, considering where he grew up. Back to the roots. The first single, “A Girl Called Johnny”, already had the markings of American soul. A stomping piano and a saxophone. “Big Music” from the first album also had sax, and soul backing vocals.
Many bands in England, Scotland and Ireland at the time used these embellishments in their arrangements. Soul and the influence of American roots music had been ingrained in their culture since the early 60’s. The Rolling Stones put a spotlight on US blues and rock and roll, and literally sold it back to the country of it’s origin.
Tonight, the band pulls back towards Americana. Full circle. Tight and raw, Scott wearing a cowboy hat to boot. Memphis musician Brother Paul Brown adds a classic soulful B3 organ to the sound. His onstage moves spice up the energy.
Scott is a rebel rouser. He opens the gig with a new song called “Don’t Even Have To Say His Name”. No need to. The audience gets it.
Playing the same songs every night can make you tight, but it can also make you dreary. The band has obviously carved out space on some songs to jam and improvise. Tonight Brown takes a whacky solo on “Landbroke Grove Symphony” with a keytar.
Mike Scott is healthily energized for his age, and the band pushes with gusto. When they play the first single “A Girl Called Johnny” it points to the fact that the original recording, while quirky, had roots and soul already in the blend. They perform a different version of “This Is The Sea”. Though some fans are disgruntled with these changes, it’s good for the artist to rework songs to keep them fresh. Bowie did it every tour.
The Waterboys 2025 release “Life, Death and Dennis Hopper” was 25 songs long. The record was full of guests (including Bruce Springsteen). Some may consider it self indulgent. Tonight Scott trims it’s content to a short set of numbers. He shines on “Letter From An Unknown Girlfriend.” Sounds like an album to dig deep into over time.
On the home straight the band plays songs from “This Is The Sea”. The album commercially peaked for them and performing “The Whole Of The Moon” delivers what the audience has come to expect.
As The Waterboys sail into the sunset it looks like there is more on the horizon for them.
The thing is, with water…boys…it flows.
Ella Hooper in the support slot is a sweet-hearted woman, with an Aussie sense of humour. Great spontaneous stage banter, solid soul country singing and a really good rhythm guitar player. Her Lyrics are outside the box and she really appreciated the crowd’s response.
John Kempt
Photography by Leonie Moreland
The Waterboys
Ella Hooper
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