The Waterboys have already released ‘Life, Death And Dennis Hopper’, the album they will be presenting live in Spain on the following five-stop tour: 27 November, Barcelona (Paral.lel 62); 28 November, Valencia (Sala Multi – Roig Arena); 29 November, Murcia (Sala Mamba!); 1 December, Madrid (La Riviera); and 2 December, Pamplona (Auditorio Baluarte). This tour is a co-production of Houston Party and Just Life Music and tickets are on sale now.

‘Life, Death And Dennis Hopper’ is centred on the figure of the American actor after whom it is named, and through his story they also portray the last seven decades of Western pop culture. Recorded at the legendary Sun Records studios in Memphis, it is the sixteenth LP of their career and for its production they have counted on first-rate collaborations (Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle, Fiona Apple…).

Here are excerpts from some of the reviews that have already been published about this brand new album: “The record’s success rate is high, proof of Mike Scott clearly having fun breaking free of The Waterboys’ past and playing fast, with ease, similar to how he was the mercurial protagonist of this album.” (Mojo),

“Kudos to Mike Scott and The Waterboys for undertaking such a thematically esoteric project, which is sure to reward their most committed listeners.” (Under The Radar)

 “There’s an awful lot to unveil here, in a myriad of styles, from jazz to folk to blues, but it all seems to fit the central theme: Dennis Hopper. It may not all work, but when it does, it’s fascinating.” (Clash Music).

As if the attraction of the presentation of this new work were not enough, it is worth remembering that Scotland’s Mike Scott and his band are still one of the top classic rock bands. With a live show that is impressive, which in its current version features keyboardists Brother Paul from Memphis and James Hallawell from Cornwall.

Also, there is a ‘killer’ Irish rhythm section formed by bassist Aongus Ralston and drummer Eamon Ferris, who have managed to reshape the music of all the band’s stages, from that great roots-inspired sound of ‘Fisherman’s Blues’ to that brilliant string of albums stylishly flowing between genres (soul, funk, country-rock…) that they have released since 2015’s “Modern Blues”.

With all of them on stage there will be drama, improvisation, musical fireworks and a lot of classics that will thrill their fans too. In the words of Mike Scott: “The Waterboys live to enjoy the experience of playing, to feel our music evolve and grow with every show. Nothing makes us happier than to see a long list of dates like this tour. How will our music change? What will happen that has never happened before? How much fun and excitement will we and the audience be able to enjoy? Come and join us!”

Report by Will McCarthy

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’