The Waterboys @ Cambridge Corn Exchange

The Waterboys:

Last night saw The Waterboys bring their UK tour to Cambridge Corn Exchange for a celebration of all things folk-rock that showed exactly why The Waterboys are still able to sell out the big venues 40 years after their debut album was released. The band's line-up has evolved and changed countless times since that first release, with ever-present lead singer Mike Scott being on record joking that they've had more members than any other rock band in history, however The Waterboys may have struck gold with this current line-up. Brother' Paul Brown, who has been with the band for a decade now brings a skilful burst of energy to the stage, matched by the recently returned James Hallawell. Aongus Ralston and Eamon Ferris complete the current line-up, bringing the swagger and stagemanship of elite musicians to show that after all these years The Waterboys are still a must-see live band

The evening was split into two hour long sets with a short break in between, but it felt like the action never stopped. Hits were played from the get-go, with an opening trio of 'Where the Action Is', 'Glastonbury Song' and 'How Long Will I Love You' immediately getting the crowd going. Even Mike Scott's talking between songs kept the energy high, recalling hilarious stories from past gigs at the Corn Exchange.

Being the only ever-present member of The Waterboys, this could have easily just turned into The Mike Scott show, however the singer made sure every single band member had their moment in the spotlight, even stepping away from centre stage during certain instrumentals to give everyone a chance to be appreciated by the adoring crowd. The most notable moment of this was during the first set closer, a mash- up of 'The Pan Within' and Patti Smith's 'Because the Night. Brother Paul and James Hallawell transformed the stage into what felt like the most incredible battle of the one-man-bands, with both musicians radiating extreme talent and energy.

'My Wanderings in the Weary Land' kicked the second set off, but it was the bands' huge single 'Fisherman's Blues' that really kicked the gig up a notch, with the crowd responding with the loudest singalongs of the night. Between all the hits there was still time to showcase new music, and if 'It Was Over' is a sign of what's to come for The Waterboys, then we are in for a treat.

As the second set began drawing to a close Mike Scott joked, he wants to become like Rod Stewart and only play ballads, "he's tired of playing rock n' roll before the band ripped into a huge performance of 'Medicine Bow', which was easily their rockiest performance of the night. An emotional rendition of ' Piper at Gates of Dawn closed the second set, with an encore consisting of The Waterboys' biggest hit 'The Whole of The Moon' and a surprise cover of Prince's Purple Rain'. 

Overall, this was a night of timeless classics and infectious energy that meant a smile would not leave your face from start to finish, showing just why The Waterboys are so important to the UK music scene