The Waterboys announce first Australian tour in a decade

The Waterboys will make their long-awaited return to Australia and New Zealand next year for their first tour in over a decade.

The tour kicks off at Perth’s Astor Theatre on Tuesday, May 12, before hitting stages in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and New Zealand.

Led by founding member Mike Scott, the 2025 band features double keyboard players “Brother” Paul Brown from Memphis and James Hallawell from Cornwall and is grounded by Irish rhythm section Aongus Ralston (bass) and Eamon Ferris (drums).

The Waterboys will be performing tracks from their new album, Life, Death and Dennis Hopper, along with material across their storied catalogue, including the early ‘big music’ of The Whole of the Moon and classic album This Is The Sea, through to the roots-inspired Fisherman’s Blues era and more.

“The Waterboys live for the experience of playing, of feeling our music evolve and grow with each consecutive concert,” Mike Scott said. “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!”

The Waterboys play Astor Theatre on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Tickets are on sale now from destroyalllines.com