LIVE at the Docklands will welcome The Waterboys back to Limerick on Sunday August 17, 2025.
The Waterboys have been led by Scottish singer and guitarist Mike Scott since the 1980s and have evolved through countless line-ups, winning a fearsome concert reputation along the way.
Initially blending post-punk with grandiose folk-rock, the band’s early sound was defined by powerful, anthemic songs, notably the classic track ‘The Whole of the Moon,’ from their 1985 album This Is the Sea. Often categorised as “The Big Music,” this era established them as a distinctive voice combining poetic lyricism with sweeping instrumentation.
In the late 1980s, the band relocated to Galway, marking a major shift in style. Their 1988 album Fisherman’s Blues embraced traditional Irish folk influences and was a critical success, attracting a new audience. This period saw the inclusion of fiddler Steve Wickham, whose contributions helped shape the band’s Celtic-influenced sound.
Following several lineup changes and stylistic shifts—including ventures into rock, jazz, and a return to folk influences—The Waterboys continued to reinvent themselves. Albums like A Rock in the Weary Land (2000) and Modern Blues (2015) highlight this versatility. With Mike Scott as the driving force, The Waterboys remain influential and active, consistently delivering music that blends poetic introspection with bold musical experimentation.
One of the best live bands in the world, the 2024 version of The Waterboys features double keyboard players Brother Paul from Memphis and James Hallawell from Cornwall and is grounded by killer Irish rhythm section Aongus Ralston (bass) and Eamon Ferris (drums).
They reconfigure music from all stages of the band’s career, from the early “big music” and the roots-inspired Fisherman’s Blues era to the run of genre-fluid records that have poured out since 2015’s swaggering Modern Blues, taking in soul, funk, country-rock and any other kinds of music they care to play. Expect drama, improvisation, musical fireworks and Waterboys classics.
Speaking before the announcement Mike Scott says,”The Waterboys live for the experience of playing, of feeling our music evolve and grow with each consecutive concert. How will the music change? What will happen that’s never happened before? How much fun and thrills can we and the audiences have? Come and join us.”
Mick Dolan adds “This is our fifth show for next year’s edition of the festival and we are delighted to welcome The Waterboys back to Limerick. One of my personal favourites I can’t wait to see them perform next summer.”
Tickets go on sale Friday November 15 at 10am from www.dolans.ie/www.ticketmaster.ie
