Musician Karl Wallinger died on Sunday aged 66, according to reports. Among those paying tribute was The Waterboys founder Mike Scott, who said on X: “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.
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.
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.”
In 2001, Wallinger was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and spent five years away from the spotlight following surgery.
Wallinger is survived by his wife Suzie Zamit, two children and two grandchildren.