Earlier this week Scottish rock legends The Waterboys played the beautiful Bridgewater Hall to a sell out crowd. The band are currently in then midst of a UK tour which has been incredibly popular, and are also promoting their latest record ‘Life Death and Dennis Hopper’.
The tour also coincides with a documentary on the making of the album which was released on the 9th May and is called ”A Wild and Beautiful Ride’. The band, fronted by the effortlessly cool Mike Scott, a founding member of the band (a band which has had an incredible history in regards to their line-up) this evening were playing as a five piece.
James Hallawell on hammond organ was incredibly animated, and the chemistry between him and Scott was electric. The band had so much energy and stage presence I imagine the audience were a little disappointed that this was a seated gig. The bands tunes are catchy, known for their unique mix of folk rock with their original work verging a little bit more on the side of post-punk, the bands forty plus years in the industry has seen them evolve.
Opening with A Pagan Place, this upbeat track set the tone early one with many fans swaying in their seats. This was followed by “Glastonbury Song’ and then a huge cheer erupted as the opening chords played out on ‘How Long Will I Love You’. There was an element of country in the third track and Scotts voice was in fine form as he repeatedly high kicked and pulled numerous rockstar shapes, whilst wearing a very fetching Stetson.
The setlist could be fairly described as epic, playing out the last four decades of the band’s finest work. ‘The Whole of the Moon’ which was once described by Killers front man Brandon Flowers as ‘One of the finest songs I have ever heard’ was played just before the encore. It is by far one of the most beautiful songs in existence, in my opinion anyway! The encore included a cover by Barny Fletcher ‘Wasted Sunset’ and the band completed the evening with their 1988 track ‘Fisherman’s Blues’.
The band continue their UK tour and you can find out below where to catch the band this year. You will certainly get your money’s worth, a top evening of music showcasing a masterclass of songwriting!
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