John Lennon’s son Julian leads tributes to former World Party frontman Karl Wallinger after his death aged 66
Legendary Beatles frontman John Lennon’s son Julian led the stars in paying tribute to the late Karl Wallinger after his death on Sunday.
The former World Party frontman has died at the age of 66, his publicist has announced, without a cause of death given.
Following news of the Welsh-born musician’s death, musical pioneers took to social media to share their heartfelt condolences, with musician Julian Lennon, 60, writing:
“So very sad to hear of Karl Wallinger’s passing…We have lost another Good’un…Safe travels, my friend.”
Wallinger was a member of the ’80s band Waterboys and appeared on their first three albums, before forming his own group in 1986.
Former World Party frontman Karl Wallinger has died aged 66, his publicist has announced, with no cause of death given (pictured in 2006)
Julian, 60, son of legendary Beatles frontman John Lennon, led the stars in paying tribute to the musical talent who died on Sunday
Karl’s talents saw him collaborate with icons such as David Bowie and Peter Gabriel and write a string of hits including Ship Of Fools and She’s The One.
She’s The One, which appeared on World Party’s 1997 album Egyptology, was covered by Robbie Williams two years later and reached No. 1 in the UK charts and picked up a BRIT Award.
Julian wasn’t the only one to pay his respects to the astronomical talent; fans and fellow musicians flooded social media with their own messages.
Fellow Waterboys member Mike Scott wrote: “Travel well my old friend. You are one of the best musicians I have ever known.”
Tears For Fears’ crooner Curt Smith added: “Very sad news, I was a big fan of Karl.”
BBC Wales weather presenter Sue Charles shared: ‘Such sad news about Karl Wallinger.
‘One of our best songwriters, from Prestatyn to The Waterboys, World Party and beyond.
‘With environmental awareness at the heart of Goodbye Jumbo, Put The Message In The Box remains an unparalleled pop song.’
Meanwhile, fans released an outpouring of condolences, with one saying: ‘RIP Karl Wallinger, from The Waterboys and World Party, short collaboration with Sinead O’Connor and Peter Gabriel.
‘An underestimated and overlooked talent. Funny, with a sharp mind and foresight on this crazy world.’
The Welsh-born musician and composer was a member of the 1980s band Waterboys, before forming his own group in 1986.
Karl Talents saw him collaborate with the likes of David Bowie and Peter Gabriel and write a string of hits, including Ship Of Fools and She’s The One, which appeared on the band’s 1997 album Egyptology (pictured with World Party in 1990).
Julian Lennon addressed X and shared his heartfelt condolences: “We have lost another Good’un. Safe travels my friend’
His Waterboys bandmate, Mike Scott, wrote: “Travel well my old friend. You are one of the best musicians I have ever known’
While Tears For Fears’ Curt Smith said: ‘Very sad news, I was a big fan of Karl’
Welsh weather presenter Sue Charles described Wallinger’s single Put The Message In The Box as ‘unparalleled’ in her tribute
Fans and celebrities alike rushed to social media to pay their respects to the Welsh astronomical talent
Another added: ‘Damn. Another great voice gone. REST IN PEACE.’
‘Goodbye Karl Wallinger. I loved your music and am grateful to have seen you a few times,” said one fan.
Someone else said: ‘RIP Karl Wallinger – thanks for the music.’
‘I saw World Party exactly once in the @RoyalAlbertHall in the front row. Met Karl Wallinger by accident at the stage door.
“I will always be in awe of his talent as a songwriter. Goodbye Jumbo in particular was one of those records that helped me through many bad days.’
‘Very sad to hear we lost #KarlWallinger – I’m pretty sure I saw World Party’s first gig and his Waterboys playing always stirred the soul x.’
‘Sad to hear of Karl Wallinger’s passing. The World Party album, Goodbye Jumbo, is such a great record. A true innovator. REST IN PEACE.’
The musician died on Sunday, according to a statement from his representatives.
Born in Prestatyn, North Wales, Karl began his career as a keyboardist in numerous bands and even had a brief stint as musical director of The Rocky Horror Show (pictured in 1997)
He had a long working relationship with the late Sinead O’Connor after contributing to her 1987 debut album The Lion And The Cobra (pictured in 1993).
The statement read: ‘Karl Wallinger, the Welsh-born musician and composer better known as the unique face behind World Party, passes away on Sunday, March 10.
‘Wallinger was ahead of his time with songs like Sip of Fools and Put A Message In The Box and Is it like Today, in addition to the magic of She’s The One and Whole Of the Moon by The Waterboys, 66.
“Karl leaves behind a loving family of wife Suzie Zamit, son Louis Wallinger, daughter Nancy Zamit and two grandchildren.”
Born in Prestatyn, North Wales, Karl began his career as a keyboardist in numerous bands – and even had a brief stint as musical director of The Rocky Horror Show.
He had a long working relationship with the late Sinead O’Connor after contributing to her 1987 debut album The Lion And The Cobra.
Karl has contributed to films including Ben Stiller’s 1994 film Reality Bites and contributed music to 1995’s Clueless.
In February 2001, he suffered a brain aneurysm, causing him to withdraw from the spotlight for five years before returning to touring in 2006.
Wallinger’s song She’s The One was later covered by Robbie William’s and reached No. 1 in the UK charts and picked up a BRIT Award (Robbie pictured at the ceremony)