The Welsh musician, who was also part of the band The Waterboys, made his mark on the alternative rock of the 80s and 90s
Karl Wallinger, who played in the band The Waterboys and was known for the World Party project, died last Sunday (3/10), without a known cause, at the age of 66 at his home in the outback of England. His death was confirmed in a statement from his publicist, who said Wallinger was “ahead of his time.”
Born in Prestatyn, Wales, in October 1957, Wallinger spent his formative years within the historic walls of Charterhouse, a renowned British boarding school known for nurturing the talents of the musicians of the band Genesis. Although their paths at Charterhouse never crossed, Wallinger collaborated with Peter Gabriel on “Big Blue Ball”, an album conceived in collaboration with the original Genesis singer.
First Steps and The Waterboys
Wallinger took his first steps into music in 1977, as a keyboard player in his first band, Pax, which later evolved into Quasimodo and included two future members of the folk punk band The Alarm. However, it was his role as keyboard player in the Waterboys that brought him his first successes.
In 1983, he responded to a “guitarist wanted” ad for Mike Scott’s band with a bold response, convincing the singer that what the Waterboys needed was a keyboard player. He joined the band in time to play on the first album tour and contribute to “A Pagan Place” (1984) and “This Is the Sea” (1985).
His multi-instrumental and production skills impressed Scott and secured him a key role in shaping the band’s sound. Wallinger also composed “Don’t Bang the Drum” (the opening track of “This Is the Sea”) and arranged the band’s biggest hit, “The Whole of The Moon” (from the same album).
World Party: a one-man band
Aware that his musical ambitions would bring him into conflict with Scott, Wallinger chose to leave the Waterboys in late 1985, during the “This Is the Sea” tour, when the band was at its peak. While planning his new musical foray, Wallinger also worked on Sinéad O’Connor’s 1987 debut album, “The Lion and the Cobra.” The singer returned the favor, singing some backing vocals on World Party’s first two albums.
Wallinger’s first release under the World Party name, “Private Revolution” (1986), was a combination of rock, folk, funk and psychedelia, recorded by Wallinger practically alone in his “home” studio. The musician played only saxophone and violin on the recordings, courtesy of Anthony Thistlethwaite, of The Waterboys, and violinist Steve Wickham, as well as featuring vocals from Sinéad O’Connor. Their effort spawned a major hit single, “Ship of Fools”.
World Party released four more well-received albums: “Goodbye Jumbo” (1990), which was nominated for a Grammy, “Bang!” (1993), “Egyptology” (1997) and “Dumbing Up” (2000). But Wallinger did not limit himself to these works.
Other projects
In recognition of the artist’s talent, Hollywood sought his services as musical director of era-defining soundtracks. He was responsible for the selection and musical arrangements of the cult films “Getting Real” (1994) and “Patricinhas de Beverly Hills” (1995).
Wallinger also composed one of singer Robbie Williams’ biggest hits, “She’s the One” (originally a World Party song), a single released by the English singer in 1999.
His last release was the album “Big Blue Ball”, the culmination of a collaboration with Peter Gabriel. During the summers of 1991, 1992 and 1995, the two coordinated recordings for dozens of international artists at Real World studios. But the album, which features Gabriel’s vocals and the duo’s production, was only released in 2008.
Early end of career
On the eve of the tour for World Party’s latest album, Wallinger’s career came to a dramatic end. The musician suffered a brain aneurysm in February 2001 while cycling with his son. He was left with poor vision and a prolonged inability to speak, play instruments or perform any other musical activity.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
