The Waterboys Matters

It may have taken more than 42 years to get Mike Scott and his motley crew of genius talent to our shores. Still, thanks to Breakout Events, The Waterboys will finally be setting sail to play live at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens on Friday, 25 November, and in Johannesburg at Casalinga on Sunday, 27 November.

If you happened upon the British-Irish indie folk rock back in the early to mid- 1980s, you’re probably old enough to have heard them on the then Radio 5, courtesy of the DJ who championed their genius, one Chris Prior – the self-proclaimed ‘Rock Professor’.

How he first stumbled upon their unique blend of Celtic, gospel and country music remains a mystery to this writer. Still, South African fans were no less grateful for his single-handed obsession to have their music heard. Their This is the Sea; A Pagan Place and Fisherman’s Blues albums sold out upon release and continue to sell to this very day.

Over the years, seminal tracks, the likes of “The Whole of The Moon” and “How Long Will I Love You”, have found their way onto TV shows the likes of Ray Donovan and The Affair, while the late-great Prince, U2, War On Drugs and Ellie Goulding have performed their music live too.

In 2020, the music that Mike Scott (vocals, guitar, piano), Steve Wickham (electric fiddle), Memphis keyboard great “Brother” Paul Brown, British ace drummer Ralph Salmins and funky Irish bass player Aongus Ralston performed around the world, continues to resonate with audiences right across the globe.

While fluffing and folding his live performance wardrobe, lead singer Mike Scott reveals a little of what four generations of fans can look forward to when the collective finally hits African terra firma.

You’ve been making beautiful music since 1983 and have performed everywhere except South Africa. What took you so long?

“It’s something we’ve always wondered about. We almost came several years ago, but it’s expensive when you want the musicians to get paid well. We do things properly, with a good crew, and now we’re able to do that, so we’re happily on our way now.”

It’s coming up 42 years since The Waterboys first formed, and you’re the one constant in the band throughout that time. What, in your mind, do you think it is that has carried these songs for as long as they have?

“[Laughing] I don’t carry our entire work with me. I want to have a great time when we get up on stage and play songs that get my rocks off, as it were. Our sets in South Africa will be rather special, if only because we have never performed live there. So, the classics will certainly be in there, as will be a few rare treats.”

To what do you owe your longevity and relevance?

“Most likely due to many players that have come through The Waterboys over the years. Each permutation and combination had me working hard to explore all the possible surprising changes and keep it fresh. Each new player that has come in, you feed off them, and they feed off of you. The chemistry remains quite electric.”

So, what can South Africa expect from The Waterboys’ sets?

“Well, I like to improvise, but it will be a magical mix of old and new, of that fans can rest assured. Playing to new audiences is always exciting, so we’ll bring our A game. If only because it’s long overdue.”