The Waterboys at The Colston Hall in Bristol on Wednesday 18 October 2017
The Waterboys will perform at The Colston Hall in Bristol on Wednesday 18 October 2017.
With the visionary Mike Scott leading the way, The Waterboys have traversed eclectic musical ground for over thirty years, spreading new ideas in their wake. Dwelling in a sweet spot between energised folk music and swaggering rock ‘n roll, they have absorbed influence from country, gospel, traditional Celtic roots, Southern blues and beyond, never lingering in one style for too long. The changing cast of members over the years has contributed to the band’s progressive adventurism, and as they return with their 12th studio album, no doubt the sound will evolve yet again.
Originally formed in Edinburgh by Mike Scott in 1983, the many musicians who have been a part of The Waterboys have lived anywhere from London, Dublin, New York and Scotland. Their musical style has been nearly as nomadic as the band itself, but has retuned time and again to folk and rock and roll. Their ‘Big Music’ sound, named after one of the tracks on their second album, has gone on to influence numerous musicians, including Bono and The Edge from U2. The best example of this unique sound is the 1985 single ‘The Whole Of The Moon’.
After ten years making music, The Waterboys ceased, and Mike Scott pursued a solo career. In 2000 the name was resurrected, and they have been touring and making albums ever since. Over the years more than seventy musicians can claim to have been Waterboys at one time or another, and perhaps it’s this fluidity that keeps the band going strong – as they themselves say, “The Waterboys belong to no movement, genre, school or fashion. We play Waterboys music.”
Tickets are £35.50 including booking fee