Karl Wallinger, former member of The Waterboys and creative force behind World Party, has died at the age of 66.
According to a statement from his publicist, Wallinger died on Sunday (March 10th). No cause of death has been revealed.
The Welsh-born musician and mind behind such tracks as “Ship of Fools,” “She’s the One,” “Whole of the Moon,” and more first joined The Waterboys in 1983 as a keyboard player after being recruited by Mike Scott. Wallinger’s role in the band continued to grow throughout his tenure, as his contributions both in the studio and on tour increasingly helped shape the identity of the group.
Soon after leaving The Waterboys in 1985, Wallinger began work on a new solo venture called World Party. His first album under the moniker, 1986’s Private Revolution, housed the hit single “Ship of Fools” and established Wallinger’s eclectic mix of influences. The record featured several notable guests, including Sinéad O’Connor, whom Wallinger also worked with for O’Connor’s The Lion and the Cobra.
Wallinger released four additional albums as World Party while simultaneously establishing himself as an accomplished producer and music director. In 1999, “She’s the One” was covered by Robbie Williams, landing the former Take That member a No. 1 hit on the UK charts.
In 2001, Wallinger suffered a brain aneurysm, leading him to take several years off from recording and touring.
He is survived by his wife Suzie Zamit, son Louis Wallinger, daughter Nancy Zamit, and two grandchildren.