The Waterboys will return to Australia and New Zealand in May 2026, breaking a decade-long absence with a tour celebrating their 2025 album Life, Death And Dennis Hopper. The record, a cinematic tribute to the late Hollywood icon, continues Mike Scott’s lifelong fascination with film, literature and spirituality, themes that have defined the band’s shifting sound for more than forty years.
Melbourne fans can see them at The Palais in St Kilda on Saturday 16 May 2026.
Scott says the new dates are all about rediscovering connection through performance. “The Waterboys live for the experience of playing, of feeling our music evolve and grow with each consecutive concert,” he says.
“Nothing makes us happier than seeing a long list of dates like these. How will the music change? What will happen that’s never happened before? How much fun and thrills can we and the audiences have? Australia and New Zealand, come and join us!”
Formed in London in 1983, The Waterboys began with a sweeping, poetic style later dubbed The Big Music, sharing creative DNA with bands like U2 and Simple Minds. Their 1985 hit The Whole Of The Moon remains an essential part of their live set and a defining moment of that early era.
The band’s evolution has been constant. Scott’s late-1980s move to Dublin sparked a deep dive into Celtic folk traditions, culminating in Fisherman’s Blues, a release still cherished for its raw, communal spirit. After several reinventions, The Waterboys entered a prolific modern era from 2000 onwards, blending rock, folk, soul and even hip-hop across albums like Universal Hall, Modern Blues and Good Luck, Seeker.
The 2026 tour will feature the current touring lineup, including Brother Paul Brown, James Hallawell, Aongus Ralston and Eamon Ferris, forming what Scott calls “the most dynamic Waterboys band yet.”
Early Bird Presale: Tuesday 18 November, 9:00am local time
General On Sale: Thursday 20 November, 9:00am local time
The Waterboys May 2026 Australian Tour Dates
- Tuesday 12 May – Perth, Astor Theatre
- Friday 15 May – Sydney, State Theatre
- Saturday 16 May – Melbourne, Palais Theatre
- Monday 18 May – Brisbane, The Tivoli
