Music Review

In symphonic mayhem befitting a North Atlantic Irish cove, “Don’t Bang The Drum” kicked off proceedings at the Waterboys’ Perth Concert Hall tour finale last night. After a first set of well spread back catalogue pieces, we were greeted after interval by Mike Scott’s homage to Ireland’s poet hero, Mr WB Yeats (whose poetry of which is the subject of the Waterboys’ latest album). After some play-time and mask-wearing mystery, along with some ‘Room to Roam’ (album) jigs courtesy of Steve Wickham, we were back into ol’ familiar ground. And before the end of the evening the audience were jumping on their feet. “A Man Is In Love” with Mike and Steve twirling it wildly like forest nymphs was a highlight. But then came “Whole of the Moon” and the roof lifted off da house! And we kept jumping right through “Fishermen’s Blues”. At this point an inspired Mr Scott had the whole Concert Hall doing twirls on the spot to his enthusiastic counts. And then a third encore, which came when the five men were standing in line at the front of the stage smilingly soaking in the roaring adulation and Mike suddenly glanced sideways at Steve and they both nodded in agreement. The crowd roared when they realised a further final offering was on its way. And a fitting departure it was: Prince’s “Purple Rain”. And my, don’t The Waterboys own that one now! They rendered it true to the full emotion soaked, purple-blood-wrenched version. And after thirty years of waiting the Waterboys had finished their NZ/Australian tour. Yes Boys, Bang Your Drum. And come again!