The Waterboys release a new box set telling the story behind 'The Whole of The Moon'

It also tells the story of their landmark album 'This Is The Sea'

Mike Scott of The Waterboys
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 23rd Feb 2024

The Waterboys, the band behind the 1985 hit (re-issued in 1991) 'The Whole of The Moon', have released a new box set called '1985'. The box set is available on three formats and will give fans an insight into how the band made one of their most famous albums, and their iconic single.

This new release features demos, live cuts, unreleased songs and a book, across six CDs. The album 'This Is The Sea' will also be re-released on clear vinyl for the very first time.

For fans who choose to buy the physical copy of the box set they will be treated to a 220-page hardback book which features first-hand account of the creation of the album. It also includes recording details, background, cultural context, photographs (most of them previously unseen), songwriting pages, lyrics and previously unseen writings.

The Waterboys’ Mike Scott has provided the text, while other band members Anthony Thistlethwaite and Max Edie have also contributed to the book.

The Waterboys

The Waterboys are best-known for their huge hit 'The Whole of The Moon', originally released in 1985, but saw huge success after a re-issue in 1991. However, they also released 'Fisherman's Blues' and 'The Return of Pan' in the 80s and 90s, as well as a massive 15 studio albums over the years.

What formats is the box set available on?

The release is available on three formats:

  • 1985 6CD box set + 220-page hardback book
  • 1985 6CD digital box set (no book)
  • 'This is The Sea' (clear vinyl)

When will it be released?

The box set was released on 23rd February 2024.

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