The Waterboys returned to the ‘Roig Arena Auditorium’ on 28 November 2025 with a two-hour-plus performance that felt, above all else, like a celebration of life. From the first electric chord struck by Mike Scott to the final euphoric chorus of “The Whole of the Moon,” the evening was a reminder of why The Waterboys remain one of the greatest live bands…and they keep coming back to Valencia! Indeed, Mike Scott declared that ‘The Waterboys’ had played in New York, Los Angeles, Amsterdam and Barcelona this year, “but Valencia is the greatest rock’n’roll city in the world.”
A Band at Full Power
The 2025 lineup is a formidable, road-tested unit:
• Mike Scott – vocals & guitars (switching fluidly between electric and acoustic, beginning the night plugged in and blazing)
• Aongus Ralston – bass (Dublin)
• Eamon Ferris – drums (Belfast)
• Brother Paul – keyboards (Memphis)
• James Hallawell – piano/keys (Cornwall)
The dual-keyboard setup gave the arrangements a vibrant depth, from soulful organ swells to shimmering piano textures. Meanwhile, the Irish rhythm section anchored the night with power and precision, Ralston’s muscular bass and Ferris’s explosive yet expressive drumming forming a backbone that elevated every song.
A Visual and Musical Journey
The show was meticulously rehearsed, yet loose enough to remain spirited and spontaneous—classic Waterboys. A major highlight was the visual production: an impressive screen show that reached its cinematic peak when the band introduced new songs from their latest album, Life, Death and Dennis Hopper. Panoramic footage of Dennis Hopper appeared behind the band—shots from film locations, deserts, small towns, and iconic roadscapes—creating a striking storytelling layer that blended music, memory, and myth.
The screen sequences added new weight to the material, and the audience responded with rapt attention, as though watching an unfolding film scored live by The Waterboys themselves.
The Spirit of the Night
Throughout the set, the energy in the arena held a sense of gratitude and vitality. Mike Scott performed with his usual mystic swagger—part rock poet, part shaman—leading the crowd through moments of reflection, joy, mischief, and transcendence. The atmosphere carried an emotional warmth and the band gave their all and the female backing singers added a joy and musicality that lifted the set too. It was truly a show to remember.
Report by Will McCarthy
Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’
‘The Waterboys’ photos copyright Phillip Solomonson 24/7 Valencia
More exclusive photos from ‘the Waterboys’ show on: https://www.facebook.com/247valencia# and https://www.instagram.com/24_7valencia/
‘The Waterboys’ set-list – Roig Arena Auditorium, 28 November 2025
Glastonbury Song
How Long Will I Love You?
Medicine Bow
Be My Enemy
Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
Fisherman’s Blues
This Is the Sea
Live in the Moment, Baby
The Tourist
Hopper’s On Top (Genius)
Transcendental Peruvian Blues
Michelle (Always Stay)
Ten Years Gone
I Don’t Know How I Made It
Golf, They Say
The Passing of Hopper
Don’t Bang the Drum
A Girl Called Johnny
Spirit
The Pan Within
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
The Whole of the Moon
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