The Waterboys have announced the release of Atlantic Rain, a comprehensive three-disc collection of previously unheard music from the legendary Fisherman’s Blues era. Set for release on July 17, 2026, via Chrysalis Records, the set arrives alongside the announcement of a massive UK and Irish arena tour billed as The Fisherman’s Blues Revue.
The 25-track collection is the result of an exhaustive archival project led by band leader Mike Scott. Between 1986 and 1988, the band recorded nearly 400 multi-track reels, many of which remained untitled or labeled simply as "jams" for decades. Scott’s recent deep dive into these "mysterious tapes" unearthed a wealth of release-worthy material, including completely new songs like "Come Back To Galway" and "Endless Store," alongside soulful covers of Dylan and Hank Williams.
When Fisherman’s Blues was originally released in 1988, it signaled a radical shift from alternative rock toward a fusion of country, Celtic, and roots music. Atlantic Rain proves that the band’s palette was even broader than previously thought, encompassing gospel, soul, and industrial-scale instrumental explorations. This new set serves as a stunning companion to the 2013 Fisherman’s Box, which was previously believed to be the final word on these sessions.
Coinciding with the announcement, the band has released a fresh remix of the classic "We Will Not Be Lovers," a track that recently gained a new generation of fans after being featured in the Netflix hit Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen.
To celebrate the release, The Waterboys will embark on a prestigious nine-date arena tour across Europe, the UK, and Ireland. The lineup for these shows is particularly notable, featuring Americana icon Steve Earle as part of the ensemble. Earle will perform his own material while contributing guitar, mandolin, and vocals to the Waterboys' catalog.
The touring band also sees the return of legendary fiddler Steve Wickham and flautist Colin Blakey, ensuring the authentic spirit of the original sessions is captured. Highlights of the tour include a homecoming at Dublin’s 3Arena on September 5 and a massive performance at London’s O2 Arena on September 12. Tickets for these highly anticipated dates are available now.
