Waterboys - Life, Death and Dennis Hopper
by Nick Dent-Robinson
published: 8 / 7 / 2025

Label:
Sun Records
Format: CD
intro
Ambitious conceptual album from The Waterboys about Hollywood hell-raiser and mega-star Dennis Hopper
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 Kansas2 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/WaterboysMusic/#
https://www.instagram.com/waterboysmusic/?hl=en
Play in YouTube:-
Have a Listen:-
profiles |
Adventures of a Waterboy (2012) |
![]() |
John Clarkson is impressed by the honesty of Waterboys' front man Mike Scott's new autobiography,'Adventures of a Waterboy' |
live reviews |
Roundhouse, London, 1/6/2025 |
![]() |
Steev Burgess enjoys an euphoric set from The Waterboys at The Roundhouse in London. |
Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, 5/10/2003 |
soundcloud
reviews |
Good Luck Seeker (2020) |
![]() |
Imaginative and literate latest from the Waterboys which proves to be an album of contrasts |
An Appointment with Mr. Yeats (2011) |
most viewed articles
current edition
John McKay - InterviewRobert Forster - Interview
Cathode Ray - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Spear Of Destiny - Interview
Fiona Hutchings - Interview
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Chris Wade - Interview
Claudia Brucken - Interview
Shrag - Huw Stephens Session 08.12.10 and Marc Riley Session 21.03.12
most viewed reviews
current edition
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a CircleVinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Garbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
John McKay - Sixes and #Sevens
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
Little Simz - Lotus
HAIM - I Quit
Pulp - More
Lapsley - I'm a Hurricane, I'm a Woman In Love
related articles |
Bromide: Interview (2015 |
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart