Karl Wallinger, who starred in The Waterboys and World Party, has died aged 66.
The musician passed away on Sunday according to reports. Among those paying tribute was The Waterboys’ founder Mike Scott, who penned on X on Monday: “Travel on well my old friend. You are one of the finest musicians I’ve ever known.”
Born in Wales, Wallinger began his career as a keyboardist in a variety of bands before joining The Waterboys in 1983, which saw him write the original music for Don’t Bang The Drum.
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Shortly after his departure from The Waterboys, Karl formed World Party in 1986. Their debut album, Private Revolution, included popular songs such as Ship Of Fools.
(Image: Ebet Roberts/Getty Images))
The band released several more albums, with their fourth Egyptology album including track She’s The One which was later covered by British singer Robbie Williams and peaked at number one on the official UK charts in 1999. Karl also contributed to late Irish star Sinead O’Connor’s debut album The Lion And The Cobra, and they continued to work together for several years.
During his career, Wallinger also served as the musical director for the 1994 Ben Stiller-directed film Reality Bites, starring Ethan Hawke and Winona Ryder, as well as contributing to the Clueless soundtrack producing All The Young Dudes written by David Bowie a year later.
Curt Smith from pop band Tears For Fears said on X: “Very sad news, I was a big fan of Karl’s.” A fan added: “Desperately sad news to hear that Karl Wallinger has died at 66. Goodbye Jumbo was brilliant, ahead of its time in its environmental message, and a favourite album of mine. There were many more songs of course, not least She’s The One and he’ll be greatly missed.”
Another wrote: “Gutted to hear about the passing of Karl Wallinger. What an artist. Absolute genius!! Formed The Waterboys with Mike Scott and then World Party….soundtrack to my youth!” And a third gushed: “Karl Wallinger made music that made my heart fly. Too soon for him to be leaving this ship of fools behind.”
In 2001, Wallinger was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, forcing him to step away from the spotlight for five years after undergoing surgery. Despite making a full recovery, he lost his peripheral vision on the right side of both eyes.
He is survived by his wife Suzie Zamit, their two children and two grandchildren.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
