KARL WALLINGER
World Party supremo
(1957–2024)
MIKE Scott may have been the undisputed leader of The Waterboys, but Karl Wallinger’s contributions were invaluable. The Welshman joined the band in 1983 primarily as a keyboardist, following a spell with Prestatyn band Quasimodo (featuring future members of The Alarm) and musical directorship of The Rocky Horror Show. Making his mark on the ensuing A Pagan Place, where his multi-instrumental prowess was evident, Wallinger truly excelled on 1985’s This Is The Sea, layering the album with percussive flourishes and endlessly inventive synth lines. As Scott marvelled in the liner notes: “Having Karl in the studio was like having a one-man orchestra around.” He also co-wrote the majestic “Don’t Bang The Drum”, indicating a gift for songwriting that fully flourished after opting to leave The Waterboys later that year.
World Party was very much a solo venture, with Wallinger pouring his love of The Beatles, Dylan, Sly Stone, The Beach Boys and more into 1987’s self-produced debut , which featured Sinéad O’Connor as occasional backing singer. The album spawned US Top 30 hit “Ship Of Fools”. World Party’s popularity crested – featuring fan favourites “Put The Message In The Box” and “Way Down Now” – and 1993’s more band-oriented And while a split with both his manager and label Ensign undermined the release of 1997’s , Robbie Williams’ chart topping cover of album highlight “She’s The One” ensured that its author was at least financially comfortable. This proved particularly useful in the aftermath of the brain aneurysm that Wallinger suffered in February 2001. Unable to work for five years, he finally began touring again in 2006. “Travel on well my old friend,” wrote Mike Scott in tribute. “You are one of the finest musicians I’ve ever known.”
