The Waterboys and World Party frontman Karl Wallinger dies at 66 as bandmate pays tribute

Musician Karl Wallinger died on Sunday aged 66, according to reports. Among those paying tribute was The Waterboys founder Mike Scott, who said on X: “Travel on well my old friend. You are one of the finest musicians I’ve ever known.”

Born in Wales, Wallinger began his career as a keyboardist in a variety of bands before joining The Waterboys in 1983, which saw him write the original music for Don’t Bang The Drum.

Shortly after his departure from The Waterboys, Karl formed World Party in 1986. Their debut album, Private Revolution, included popular songs such as Ship Of Fools.

The band released several more albums, with their fourth Egyptology album including track She’s The One which was later covered by British singer Robbie Williams and peaked at number one on the official UK charts in 1999.

Karl also contributed to late Irish star Sinead O’Connor’s debut album The Lion And The Cobra, and they continued to work together for several years.

During his career, Wallinger also served as the musical director for the 1994 Ben Stiller-directed film Reality Bites, starring Ethan Hawke and Winona Ryder, as well as contributing to the Clueless soundtrack producing All The Young Dudes written by David Bowie a year later.

In 2001, Wallinger was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and spent five years away from the spotlight following surgery.

Wallinger is survived by his wife Suzie Zamit, two children and two grandchildren.

Curt Smith from pop band Tears For Fears also paid tribute, writing on X: “Very sad news, I was a big fan of Karl’s.”

Another user named Craig wrote: “Sad to hear that the great Karl Wallinger has died. His World Party records were fantastic and he was also in the Waterboys during their peak RIP.”

Stephen echoed: “Farewell to Karl Wallinger, the mastermind of the neo-psychedelic outfit World Party and a pivotal member of the Waterboys in the mid-80s. According to his publicist, he died March 10 at the age of 66.”

Chesney Hawkes said: “We lost one of the all time greats today. Karl Wallinger was a beautiful soul and a genius songwriter. Rest in peace old friend, I hope you find the rainbow…Now stop what you’re doing and go listen to #Worldparty.”

And Sue penned: “Such sad news about Karl Wallinger. One of our finest songwriters, from Prestatyn to The Waterboys, World Party and beyond. With environmental awareness at the heart of Goodbye Jumbo, Put The Message In The Box remains a peerless pop song.”