The Waterboys

The Waterboys @ the UEA, Norwich

By Richard Fryer

Some years ago, the Waterboys released the classic album This Is the Sea and then played the finest concert that I have ever seen at the University of East Anglia.

Last October, chief Waterboy Mike Scott put together a “would-be” Waterboys and played one of the worst concerts I have ever seen.

However, last night at the UEA with a completely different line-up but still sadly featuring none of the original members, he atoned for this by playing a storming set of the Waterboys' finest tunes.

Going back to those heady days of the mid-80s, Mike Scott was making “the big music” and later took his band to Ireland and produced a couple of fine Irish-inspired gems in Fisherman's Blues and Room To Roam.

Last night we witnessed some of the highlights of Scott's career.

From the fast and frantic Don't Bang the Drum to the hauntingly beautiful When Ye Go Away through the heavenly All the Things She Gave Me, this was Scott back to his very best.

When he encored with The Whole Of the Moon and This Is the Sea, you realise why Scott has that sense of genius about him.

When he is on form there are few people who can create the sense of awe and wonder that he can.