Karl Wallinger, World Party frontman and former member of The Waterboys, dies at 66

Karl Wallinger, frontman of the solo project World Party, died on Sunday at the age of 66.

Wallinger’s death was confirmed in a statement from his publicist, who described him as “presciently ahead of his time.” No cause of death has been announced.

The Welsh-born musician joined The Waterboys in 1983, playing a variety of instruments on their first three albums, including the British rock band’s biggest hit, ‘The Whole of the Moon.’

After leaving The Waterboys, Wallinger went on to form World Party in 1986, releasing his first solo album under the moniker in 1987, entitled Private Revolution. The breakout album contained minor hits like ‘Ship of Fools,’ which peaked at No. 27 on the UK charts. That same year, Wallinger worked alongside Sinéad O’Connor on her iconic debut album, The Lion and the Cobra.

Wallinger’s biggest hit, ‘She’s the One,’ was covered by Robbie Williams in 1999, becoming his second No. 1 single as a solo artist.

In 2001, Wallinger was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm that forced him into a five year break from the spotlight, undergoing extensive surgery before going back on the road in 2006.

Waterboys’ frontman Mike Scott recently made a tribute to the late songwriter on his social media, saying, “Travel on well my old friend. You are one of the finest musicians I’ve ever known.”

Just received this. Travel on well my old friend. You are one of the finest musicians I've ever known. https://t.co/Ntmn7jBpqq

— Mike Scott (@MickPuck) March 11, 2024

Others responded similarly, with photographer and musician Julian Lennon writing, “We’ve lost another Good’un,” as filmmaker and actor Ben Stiller remarked, “he was incredibly talented and intimidating because he was so cool and World Party was so cool.”

🖤💔🖤

So very sad to hear of Karl Wallinger’s passing…

We’ve lost another Good’un…

Safe travels my friend 🙏🏻 x pic.twitter.com/IwgPUb6lDc

— Julian Lennon (@JulianLennon) March 12, 2024

Sending love and condolences to Karl’s family. I had the opportunity to work with him when he scored the first movie I directed and he was incredibly talented and intimidating because he was so cool and World Party was so cool and spending time with him in his studio in London I… https://t.co/GQhrcLW2UD

— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) March 11, 2024

Wallinger is survived by his wife, Suzie Zamit, two children, Nancy and Louis Zamit, along with two grandchildren.