Waterboys - Life, Death and Dennis Hopper

  by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 8 / 6 / 2025

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Review

Formed back in 1982 by Scottish singer and songwriter Mike Scot, The Waterboys are probably still best known for their 1985 hit single ‘The Whole Of The Moon’. Since then there have been various changes of personnel in the band with Mike Scott remaining the only6 constant presence. On their latest album, ‘Life, Death And Dennis Hopper’, The Waterboys have enlisted an array of heavyweight guests for an ambitious tribute to the Hollywood hellraiser and mega-star, Dennis Hopper. Highlights of the new record include Steve Earle singing about Hopper's early years in Kansas, and the excellent cameos from Bruce Springsteen on ‘Ten Years Gone’ and from Fiona Apple on ‘Letter From An Unknown Girlfriend’. Throughout the album there are references to Hopper's roles in ‘Rebel Without A Cause’ as well as ‘Easy Rider/ and the music skips happily between rock and soul with a touch of country too. ‘Life, Death And Dennis Hopper’ is an expansive, conceptual album with all original songs - including one for each of Hopper's five wives. The quality of the performances, writing and production is impressive – and the whole record is a pleasure to listen to as it musically weaves its way through Dennis Hopper's dramatic life as actor, director, photographer and artist.

Track Listing:-

1 Kansas
2 Hollywood ‘55
3 Live In The Moment Baby
4 Brooke / 1712 North Crescent Heights
5 Andy (A Guy Like You)
6 The Tourist
7 Freaks On Wheels
8 Blues For Terry Southern
9 Memories Of Monterey
10 Riding Down To Mardi Gras
11 Hopper’s On Top (Genius)
12 Transcendental Peruvian Blues
13 Michelle (Always Stay)
14 Freakout At The Mud Palace
15 Daria
16 Ten Years Gone
17 Letter From An Unknown Girlfriend
18 Rock Bottom
19 I Don’t Know How I Made It
20 Frank (Let’s F*ck)
21 Katherine
22 Everybody Loves Dennis Hopper
23 Golf, They Say
24 Venice California (Victoria) / The Passing Of Hopper
25 Aftermath

Band Links:-

https://www.mikescottwaterboys.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WaterboysMusi
https://www.instagram.com/waterboysmus

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