The Waterboys

The Waterboys are back on the road, and this time they’re bringing with them a bold new album, Life, Death and Dennis Hopper. With over four decades of music behind them, Mike Scott and his ever-evolving lineup continue to deliver performances that blend nostalgia with fearless reinvention.

The night was a sold-out show at the iconic Roundhouse in Chalk Farm. With its circular architecture and intimate acoustics, the venue was the perfect setting for a night of good music. Beer in hand and the buzz of anticipation thick in the air, the crowd erupted as The Waterboys hit the stage—decked out in glittery cowboy hats and flares. Yeehaw!

They opened with “Glastonbury Song,” met with a roar of approval, before easing into the beloved classic “How Long Will I Love You.” Bro Paul Brown lit up the stage with his keyboard work on “Be My Enemy,” which ended with a cheeky nod to the Rolling Stones’ “Bitch.” Then came a show-stopping piano solo from James Hallawell on “This Is the River,” nearly sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Midway through the set, a video of Steve Earle performing “Kansas” set the stage for something special. Mike Scott introduced their new concept album, inspired by the life and times of Dennis Hopper—an idea, he claimed, that came to him in a dream. As the band played selections from the album, scenes from Easy Rider and vintage footage of Hopper and Peter Fonda played behind them, adding a cinematic layer to the performance.

The encore was a celebration in itself. Members of the support band Sugar Foot and rising star Barney Fletcher joined The Waterboys on stage for a rousing rendition of “The Whole of the Moon,” transporting the audience to a time when life felt carefree. Scott then handed the spotlight to Barney, who performed his own track “Wasted Sunset” with Scott backing him—a touching moment that hinted at a bright future for the young artist, clearly in awe of his mentor.

The night closed with none other than “Fisherman’s Blues,” met with a thunderous singalong that echoed through the Roundhouse.

On the way back to the tube, I chatted with a longtime fan who recommended the documentary A Wild and Beautiful Ride, which chronicles the making of the new album. He said it brings the songs to life in a whole new way—so if you’re catching The Waterboys on this tour, maybe grab some popcorn and give it a watch beforehand.

Setlist
Glastonbury song
How long will I love you
Be my enemy (with ‘Bitch’ by the Rolling Stones outro)
Medicine Bow
When ye go away (band intro then)
This is the sea
Life, death and Dennis Hopper (showing Kansas Stephen Earle video)
Live in the moment baby
The tourist (featuring with Barny Fletcher and Sugar foot)
Andy a guy like you
Blues for Terry Southern
Hopper’s on top (Genius) (featuring Barny Fletcher and Sugar foot)
Transcendental Peruvian blues
Michelle (Always stay)
Letter from an unknown girlfriend (Mike Scott solo)
10 years gone
I don’t know how I made it (with Barny Fletcher)
Golf, they say (featuring Barny Fletcher and Sugar foot)
The passing of Hopper
Don’t bang the drum
A girl called Johnny
Spirit
The pan within (extended outro)
The whole of the moon
Wasted sunset (Barny Fletcher cover)
Fisherman’s blues (featuring Barny Fletcher and Sugar foot)