Karl Wallinger.Photo:Courtesy World Party
Courtesy World Party
Karl Wallinger, the frontman of the bandWorld Party, has died. He was 66.
A rep for the Welsh musician, known for helming the beloved Britpop group World Party after appearing in the folk-rock band The Waterboys, confirmed his death to PEOPLE in a release on Monday.
According to the statement, Wallinger died on Sunday. No cause of death was revealed at this time.
The singer-songwriter’s solo project World Party was a cult-loved alternative-rock project, which sparked ‘80s and ‘90s hits such as “Ship of Fools,” “Put the Message in the Box,” and “Is It Like Today?”
Karl Wallinger of World Party performing at Bonnaroo in 2006.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
Wallinger was born on Oct. 19, 1957 in Prestatyn, Wales and grew up in Surrey, England.
After a stint working as the musical director for the West End production ofThe Rocky Horror PictureShowin the late ‘70s, the singer/guitarist began to focus on a career in rock music more seriously, perAllMusic. He joined the British-Irish group The Waterboys in 1984 and appeared on two of their albums: their sophomore recordA Pagan Placeand seminal, third albumThis Is the Sea, which featured the hit single “Whole of the Moon.”
Karl Wallinger of World Party performing in Chicago in May 1987.Paul Natkin/Getty
Paul Natkin/Getty
The rocker survived a brain aneurysm in 2001, which was misdiagnosed at the time, according toNPR, and put his career on hold for several years. Despite the health setback, Wallinger eventually released a compilation album, 2007’sBest in Show, and returned to touring, even joiningSteely Danas their support act at one point.
Throughout his career, Wallinger worked withSinéad O’Connor. He contributed to the late Irish singer-songwriter’s 1988 debutThe Lion and the Cobra, and she also provided vocals on his early work.
A great deal of Wallinger’s music appeared in films over the years, including soundtracks such asCluelessandArmageddon, and he served as the musical director for the iconic Gen X filmReality Bites, perIMDb. TheRobbie Williamscover of the World Party song “She’s the One" also became popularized after its appearances in movies likeThe MatchmakerandThe Big Hit.
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In a 2022 interview withThe Big Takeover, the World Party artist revealed that he was in the midst of working on new music.
Wallinger also reflected on his career, spanning over four decades. “It’s strange, but amazing,” he said of the resonance of his songwriter. “I’ve always thought it should be something to do with healing or finding things out about the world that have truth. It maybe sounds a little idealistic, but it’s what music is about.”
The musician added, “It’s kind of a pure thing, music. I’m not left or right wing; I don’t even think of in terms of that. I just want people to have what they need to get through living on the planet.”
source: people.com
