So cruel. The guy survived a brain aneurysm and had to re-learn how to speak and play his instruments. I took my kids to see him in Northampton, Mass. USA about a decade ago insisting someday they would impress someone by saying they saw him live. Because I believed his genius Had to be recognized eventually. Life is indeed nasty, brutish and short. But Karl brought light and joy and love and pop to this world party in more ways than one.

@loucat2779

4 ай бұрын

Fellow Masshole here. So sad to lose another bright spot from our youthdom. Your kids were so lucky to have such a thoughtful DAD. Good job you!!

@christinelangin7209

3 ай бұрын

🙋🏼‍♀️another Masshole here! I may have also been at that Northampton show😮 Huge loss💔

@pogues1

3 ай бұрын

i'm impressed. love from Belfast. Never met him but Karl spoke to me.

@kevingarnaut7386

Ай бұрын

Incredible lyrics to his songs. Music is not made like this anymore.

@christophercarlone9945

22 күн бұрын

401 here, he lives on!

His music and lyrics will live forever. Ship of fools is written to and about all World leaders pretenders, politicians from everywhere and anytime, and for all eternity.

Just now learned he passed. I fell in love with Karl’s music the first time I heard Message In The Box on MTV, and I directly went and bought the Goodbye Jumbo album. Thank you for all the amazing music Karl, from both the Waterboys and World Party. It keeps me going.. RIP

God Bless you Karl. I am 47 years old now and remember listening to your music in High School. Your song “Is it like today” was played probably 30 times a day and it inspired me to be a firefighter like my father. I got hired on Oct 19th in 1998 and what a coincidence this is as this is your birthday, Karl. Rest easy now my friend and I will see you on the other side❤️🙏🏻

Saw World Party 5-6 times, the show at paradise rock club in Boston probably one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen. One of the best song writer performers much of the world never knew. The world was a better place because of him!

It's a joy to watch Karl in this video. His smile is a testament to how much he enjoyed creating these gifts for us. Talented and humble beyond measure. These songs are the soundtrack of my youth. Rest easy.

This is the first I heard about Karl's death. It's a big celebrity loss for me. He was never huge even though I always thought he deserved to be. His music was as thoughtful as it was beautiful. Every World Party album is worth listening to. I got to see him live in San Diego around 2011 with just a 3 piece and even without a full band the performance was excellent. I remember he waited outside the venue to shake hands with anyone who wanted to. He had a big smile and showed his gratitude. What a great artist and spirit.

@EricaChapman-ph2bz

2 ай бұрын

Never stopped with his Cheshire-cat smile, that's for sure. Super-friendly and a blast to be around, you're totally right abt that! God bless.

How could it come to this? Such a sad and untimely loss. Mr. Wallinger's songs were catchy and poppy, but also very cool and intelligent. The music that he released forty years ago sounds fresh and relevant today, and surely will forty years from now, and beyond.

This wrecked me when I found out. And still, I'll find a live clip, interview, or post I hadn't seen before, and the tears start anew. No artist's passing ever affected me like this. KARL: Everything you touched became beautiful. Thank you for all of it: Your music, your words, the crazy humor, kind correspondence, and that damn smile! You're forever in my heart. 💌

A seriously prophetic musician/songwriter and live performer in our time. Loved him back in the 80s, recently rediscovered the old back catalogue, including the classic "Ship of Fools"--- lyrics just as relevant today as they ever were. Will miss you very much Karl, and thanks for all your stuff Man!!

Where's the like button?? I love World Play! So sorry, such a great loss to his family, friends, band members, fans and the music world.

I had no idea that he passed. My fantasy was that he would come to the Philly Met and I would have the honor of hearing him live. This was high on my bucket list. How did he pass with not much of a fuss on the news or radio????He was so underrated but he probably preferred that status. This is such a great loss for those of us that appreciated his genius. I will cherish my CDs and continue to play them when I want to hear the truth.

A fantastic talent. Gone way too soon. So sad. Rest in peace Karl.

The world would be a much better place if we all were a bit more like Karl Wallinger. He was def one of the voices as a Gen Xer that shaped my worldview and musical tastes. Rest in power 😢

a sad day for me here in Japan.. BIG fan for decades, NEVER got a chance to see him live. SUCH a great Musician, cant believe it. His music will live on. listening all day today RIP, Thank YOU Karl !

Totally gutted to hear of his passing, loved his music. Was lucky enough to see him live with a full band in 2000 and then as a three piece in 2012.

THE song writer...what a wordsmith ....genius ...his music caused a shift in me ..lyrically and musically he seemed to create the complete composition. ...he made GREAT music ! ..

Truly saddened to only now hear of Karl's passing. I saw him at Sheffield Uni in the early 90s and I still listen to all my World Party CDs from time to time. His lyrics and tunes stand any test of time because they are heartfelt and meaningful to those who care to listen. Rest peacefully Karl and my thoughts are with your family and friends. ❤

Thank You World for Karl Wallinger & All His Tunes, he was The Beatles, Stones, Dylan, Bowie all in One! RIP!

I backpacked the world in the 80s with my Walkman World Party was my go to album I still love their albums RIP mate

So very sad and sorry to hear of Karl's passing at just 66 years of age. I always loved his song 'Is it like today', a great song. You left us far too soon Karl. RIP, and God bless. X. 😢

So wish I could’ve seen World Party/Karl Wallinger live 😢 Such a loss to music💔🎼🎸🎹🐘

So sad to hear about Karl passing away. His music was a big part of the soundtrack to my life in the 80's. I had Goodbye Jumbo on cassette in my old car and it was my companion everywhere I went. I remember a good friend who was a serious music lover but into Steely Dan etc hearing that record and declaring almost immediately that it was a work of genius, I think he was correct. Rip Karl. Hope I hear you again further up the road still making great music. Good to see a young Chris Sharrock in this video, still the world's best drummer.😊

@2metersessies

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your memories ❤

@honuman39

4 ай бұрын

I think every WP album is good but Goodbye Jumbo is certainly his best. His passing is a big celebrity loss. He deserved to have been more popular than he was.

I went to see World Party play live at the Astoria, London in 1987, with my best mate hippy Jen. We were already massive fans having heard Ship of Fools on Radio 1 (not played enough on there!). We crawled into the orchestra pit for the finale songs, security tried to chuck us out, but Karl told them to leave us alone and then gave me that beautiful smile and winked! Magic! Will never forget him!

She's The One. Sessions at West 54th. Arguably the most important performance of music I've ever experienced. My heart goes out to his loved ones. ✌🏾💔🤟🏾

@chuckowens2373

4 ай бұрын

YES....now if we could only find it with pristine audio...the current one uploaded is muted and scratchy.

RIP Mr Wallenger thank you for the great music. Very talented man.

Loved his music with The Waterboys and World Party. RIP Karl.

@steveoconnor522

Ай бұрын

I will always remember him playing piano on the video for "The Whole of the Moon" by the Waterboys - Fantastic

A fantastic musician, wonderful timeless melodies and marvellous lyrics and an all round top bloke. I was fortunate enough to see him at Trent polytechnic in about 1990, needless to say it was a great show I can still remember his banter between songs wonderful stuff . RIP Karl, thanks for the memories.

Terribly sad loss, Rest In Peace and thank you for the years of music.

So sad to hear the news.. one one of the greatest songs ever written. Talent was boundless. Loved that man

As a passionate music fan. I appreciate and love those artists who come along and are a bit special. Artists who are a bit different. Karl was this and damn great too. Private Revolution & Ship of Fools blew me away in the 80's, and I still love them. Every World Party album is very very good if not great. I went to see him live in 2001 but the show was cancelled when he'd had his aneurysm. a very sad loss. Thanks for so much great music Karl.

@lawandastonerock2288

4 ай бұрын

I'm heartbroken. This song resonates today. I love you FOREVER KARL REST IN POWER.

@marktait2371

4 ай бұрын

same local dj played a twofer tribute last week.still.have a few cds need to dig out revisit

@losttango

4 ай бұрын

A lovely guy too, according to those who knew him.

@honuman39

4 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more

@outrunninginflation4081

4 ай бұрын

Completely missed this story, very sad, he definitely deserved more recognition rip Karlx

World Party were the first live band I ever saw back in 1987. Such a talented musician live and in the studio. Way too under the radar, may he rest in peace.

Thank you to Karl Walenger for all your hard work making amazing music 🎶 🎵 . The music of World Party and Karl Walenger will always live on. Rip

Huge bummer. I loved this guy's music. Bang is one of my all time favorite records.

RIP Karl Wallinger, and thanks for the wonderful music and the joy it brings.

He really did put the message in the box..Thank you Karl RIP

A tremendous loss. RIP.

What a loss. Truly beautiful artist. RIP

It's just so incredibly sad. How fragile it all is. How recently he was just here. how gifted he was.

RIP to one of the greats. Such wonderful songs, melodies, ideas.

I hope he knew the effect his music had on the world. It was so great.

rip Karl, I am one of your biggest fans ... during my whole life always went back .... bang was a fantastic album, ship of fools opened also my eyes. frequently I was addicted to your world vision ...

His music was a great influence in my life, will be very sadly missed, love ya Karl ❤️😔

😢 I didn't realise he'd passed. Love Karl his music is immortal.

RIP Karl, a huge talent.

As A lucky as can be to have his music with me.

A great talent. I loved his music. He left us with so much to enjoy

To me this song always remembers me "The Kinks"...great!

Thank you Karl...

Huge loss. So much great music. What a talent.

Rest in peace Karl. I'm so heartbroken.

RIP. Music that made my world better.

R.I.P., Karl Wallinger. Thank you so much for all the great music you gave us.

I hadn't known he'd passed, I love his musical legacy - magical

@Kulumuli

2 ай бұрын

Me too. I just posted this song (the official video release) to my friends and I noticed a comment saying RIP. Of all his songs this is my favourite.

Loved this song since I was a little kid RIP

Wonderful performance. I'm gutted over this loss.

Far out. Rip Karl. World party were awesome and so were you.

So sorry to hear about his death. What a great artist. And World Party was such a great band. And this song in particular hit me so hard. Rest in peace. Wow - what a loss, but a gift he left behind.

Sad to hear of his passing. RIP.

Heartbreaking. Way Down Now is one of my very favorite songs.

Wow - Karl Wallinger, gone at 66??? I've listened to his stuff for, well, decades, and went on a World Party kick this past weekend, played "Ship of Fools" at least a dozen times. SUCH a great tune. Karl never got the notoriety he so deserved as a musical artist, IMHO. RIP Karl...

He will sadly go down as one of the most underrated singer/ songwriter of our lifetime. Rest in peace Karl.

@bikernurse13

4 ай бұрын

Summed up perfectly

We all the lads went to greece in 89 and one of us had the private Revolution cd and it wad a wow moment i was sure id bumped into some thing cool and alternative. I knew he had been on this is the sea 1985 so it was easy to get into. Scott Bournemouth UK.

So sad,i,m weeping

So sorry to hear that Karl has left us… a talented musician… who wrote wonderful songs… for The Waterboys … and World Party I got to see him in NYC… at The City Winery… and it was a great experience. His music was influenced by bands you would expect… but with his own style and voice… I was just wondering if there was any new music in the works from Karl… but I now know I’ll have to listen to what he left for us. My sincere condolences to his family… I’m deeply sorry for your loss… I feel like I’ve lost a friend… Wishing you and Karl Peace 🕊️ thank you 🙏 for all the memories and music 🎶… rest well…💐 🌜🌞🌛

Blessings. Thank you for sharing yourself and your music. The Spirit lives on forever. 🙏

Private Revolution was such an important album to my 16 year old self back in 1986. It really saddens me he's gone. Too many musicians I enjoy are dying too soon recently: Geordie Walker, Andy Rourke, Andrew Fletcher. Like Karl, only in their 60's. I don't understand.

@deanp7853

4 ай бұрын

Interesting. I was 15 and agree Private Revolution was unique. Since then I love The Byrd's. Karl's version of All I really Wanna Do is different but equally to there's and let's not mention the awful Cher version.

@honuman39

4 ай бұрын

I'm the same age as you and had the same reaction to Private Revolution. Goodbye Jumbo is one of my all time favorite albums. Karl's vision for his music was very affecting and he was a great composer. People would criticize his sound as having too much of a Beatles influence but every artist has influences so why not take from the best. He's a big musical loss for me.

@brianinglis3805

4 ай бұрын

@@honuman39 Those 2 albums really needed a remaster. The original CDs sound really quiet and low.

Another great english songwriter and artist , now legendary …….

@cheongjinha6501

4 ай бұрын

I imagine a few Welsh folk might be keen to point out that Prestatyn is quite a ways from the border with England!

So sad, I love his albums

the gift of his music lives on! Thank you Karl, travel well to the source of MUSIC!

Brilliant and already missed. RIP Karl.

So very sorry to hear this sad news, been a lifelong fan of both The Waterboys and World Party. My condolences to Kurt's family and his friends and band mates, also so sad to hear of the passing also of Eric Carmen, we have lost two great songsmiths this past weekend. God bless them both.

Wow so sad… just rediscovered this song as perhaps one our aging band could play? Need to do it justice as a mark of respect to a great muso! Thanks Karl!

NNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! He was so great! Overcame an aneurism and punks claiming his work as their own. Made some GREAT albums. So sorry I never got to see him play.

RIP Karl Wallinger, you helped me through a lot of growing up.

I am a huge fan. Loved his World Party tunes. He is a month older than me. He left us way too soon.

I saw World Party in perhaps ‘93….front row….looking up at him and his guitar….he was playing a right handed guitar upside down…..and I could swear the strings were unchanged…..I nudged my friend to look and he agreed…..are you kidding me? I would love anyone else to confirm this

@Peakabike

4 ай бұрын

Must be correct since it's the same in this video and other lefties are known to do that, Doyle Bramhal Jr for instance.

@user-ql9hd4lf1q

4 ай бұрын

@@PeakabikeAnd Dave Wakeling, Eternal rest, Karl...

@BudSchnelker

4 ай бұрын

You can see this very clearly in this video. Some chords are fairly simple enough to transpose, but others are extremely difficult. I play left handed, but like Hendrix, McCartney, Cobain, Easton, etc., I have it strung "backwards" so that the strings are a mirror of a right handed guitar. I can't imagine trying to play the way Wallinger does

This video really tears me up- wonderful stuff.

Ship of fools was a masterpiece!

@kestech1

3 ай бұрын

Totally agree. He really was the best in memorably melodies and thoughtful lyrics

I’m crushed, I loved his strange sensibilities 😢

"all come true'' has been a favorite of mine for decades. Love this man and his music.

RIP. Karl was a a huge part of my musical education growing up in rural South Carolina. The BANG! always gets me

Gone but never forgotten.

Thanks for the music Karl.

I am truly sad . He was a remarkable musician . I loved introducing people to him and World Party . I sometimes watch The Waterboys videos just to see him back then.

For years I looked forward to new material from Karl after his health issues. He gave us Arkeology which was a solid compilation. Peace onto you Karl.

Ah, no! I didn't know Karl had left us. World Party's debut is still one of the few 80s albums I like to go back and listen to. It's one of the finest albums of the decade to my ears.

RIP Karl 😢

This is really very bad news. I‘m very sad about it. I love Karl‘s music. My favorites are Rolling off a log and When the rainbow comes and so many more. Farewell Karl Wallinger ! 😰

Awww, I didn't know that Karl had passed away, that's really sad news. He was a great musician and songwriter, I loved his voice. RIP Karl 😥❤

Wonderful music from a seriously underrated artist. Thanks for the music Karl.

One of the songs that defines the feelings of my youth. Farewell, Mr. Wallinger.

I'm so sad. love his music.

Special stuff- god speed pal, and thank you!

Saw World Party at the Wolverhampton civic in the early 90s. It was a chaotic gif with the electrics failing half way through. Didn't stop KW though, he played a few acoustic numbers while the roadie sorted out the problem. One of the best gigs I've been to.

Wow, just heard the news......R.I.P. Karl. You'll be missed.

So weird. I just listened to Goodbye Jumbo a few nights ago after a long time. Such a good record. I was lucky to see him on stage at the Hillside Festival just outside of Guelph, Ontario, him and his 'upside down' acoustic guitar, going through all of these great songs. What a special moment. He was a bit older then. Rest in peace, 66 is way too young.

Incredible Talent.True Geninus.Masterpiece.

RIP Karl. You were THE most underrated talent in pop history. Fantastic melodies

How I loved to play on air his magnific sonic art!