The Waterboys announce new 6 CD box set and book revealing the story behind their iconic album This Is The Sea

The Waterboys have announced 1985, a box set which reveals the story behind the creation of This Is The Sea and ‘The Whole Of The Moon’.

Out February 23, the collection covers the recording process of one of the band’s most successful albums, featuring piano demos, sketches and more.

The set arrives as a 6CD / 220 Page Hardback Book and digital set. Also being released is a remastered version of This Is The Sea on a special edition clear vinyl.

The CDs feature 95 tracks, including 64 previously unreleased home recordings, demos, alternative versions, outtakes and live recordings covering the recording process of the original album.

Mike Scott, Anthony Thistlethwaite and Max Edie all contribute to the informative book detailing the creation of the LP - with first-hand accounts of details, background, cultural context, unseen photographs and lyrics.

Set to play string of Irish gigs in 2024, the folk-rock legends proved they've still got their chops in the live setting, with a memorable performance at a rainy Iveagh Gardens in Dublin last summer.

“Something for everyone – the hit seekers, the musos, the poets, the dancers,” said Hot Press’ Tadhg Williams on the show. "Whatever music means to you, The Waterboys know how to give it to you.”