The Waterboys announce 'Rips From The Cutting Room Floor' - Companion Album to 'Life, Death And Dennis Hopper'

Get the breaking news on the release of The Waterboys' forthcoming Rips From The Cutting Room Floor, a companion album to the band's Life, Death And Dennis Hopper masterwork released earlier this year (read my review of the album HERE)...Robert Kinsler

The Waterboys announce Rips From The Cutting Room Floor Companion Album to Life, Death And Dennis Hopper Out December 5, 2025 via Sun Records  First Single “The Next Time I Saw Elvis” Out Today Stream the new single HERE and pre-order the album HERE

August 29, 2025 — The Waterboys today announce Rips From The Cutting Room Floor, a companion disc to their acclaimed Life, Death And Dennis Hopper containing extra tracks and vignettes, and arriving December 5th via Sun Records. The first single, “The Next Time I Saw Elvis,” will be released on all streaming platforms today, with the album now available for pre-save and pre-order. “These are tracks that didn’t make the album,” says bandleader Mike Scott. “Not because of quality control reasons, but because they broke the narrative. But we want to share them with people and they make a cool little record on their own.”  Rips From The Cutting Room Floor offers listeners a kaleidoscopic view of the creative universe Mike Scott and his band conjured during the making of their audacious opus released in the spring of 2024. Featuring 16 tracks and pressed on hot pink vinyl exclusively through Sun Records, the album traces tangents of Hopper’s mythos and the strange, wild world he inhabited — a vivid addendum to the story of America’s rebel icon. The new single, “The Next Time I Saw Elvis,” recounts a legendary 1956 encounter between Hopper and Presley in Hollywood. Brought to life with Henry Dobson Jr.’s charismatic lead vocal, the track features Ralph Salmins on drums, Aongus Ralston on bass and rhythm guitar, Famous James on piano, and a searing lead guitar solo from Scott himself — all channeling the swagger and electricity of that unforgettable moment. Watch "The Next Time I Saw Elvis" video here.

Among the other highlights: “On The Set Of The Last Movie,” a full-length instrumental steeped in transcendental blues; “Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Arrival In Taos,” which imagines the surrealist auteur’s creative clashes with Hopper in New Mexico; and “Flipside Of The American Dream” and “Still Raging On,” two alternate drafts of the main album highlight "Ten Years Gone" — plus audio of two spoof TV adverts. “Dennis made a lot of TV ads in his later life,” says Scott, “and brought a real artistry and creative sparkle to them. As such they’re ripe for spoofing and having some fun with, and so we did!” Recorded with longtime Waterboys collaborators and an eclectic cast of contributors, the tracks pull back the curtain on the wild ride of Life, Death And Dennis Hopper while standing as essential, standalone works of musical storytelling. Many of these songs were recorded in a burst of inspiration after Scott acquired a vintage mellotron, sparking new textures and creative momentum. “The mellotron is like an early sampler — a magic machine,” Scott explains in his notes. “Once it arrived, these songs came to life.” For more information about The Waterboys, visit the band’s website HERE. Rips From The Cutting Room Floor tracklisting: Western Rollcall The Next Time I Saw Elvis Cinema, C'est La Vie On The Set Of The Last Movie Alejandro Jodorowsky's Arrival In Taos Crystal Morning New Mexico Funkout At The Mud Palace Cowboy Bill, Guy Grand & Kansas Still Raging On Flipside Of The American Dream Thank You Mr Schneider The Counterculture Holdout Stanley In I Love The Movies Dennis In Ameridreams A Few Words About Dennis Hopper Golf, They Say (James Version) The Waterboys 2025 North American Tour Dates 9/4 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club 9/5 – Red Bank, NJ – The Vogel at Count Basie Center for the Arts 9/6 – New York, NY – Webster Hall (Sold Out) 9/7 – Boston, MA – Seisiún Fest 2025 9/9 – Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre 9/10 – Montréal, QC – Beanfield Theatre 9/11 – Toronto, ON – The Danforth Music Hall (Sold Out) 9/12 – Columbus, OH – The Athenaeum Theatre 9/14 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond 2025 9/15 – Nashville, TN – The Basement East 9/16 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall (Sold Out) 9/17 – Minneapolis, MN – Uptown Theater 9/20 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom (Sold Out) 9/21 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre 9/23 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater (Sold Out) 9/25 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore (Sold Out) 9/26 – Los Angeles, CA – The Bellwether 9/27 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up (Sold Out) 9/28 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom 9/30 – Santa Fe, NM – Lensic Performing Arts Center 10/2 – Austin, TX – The Paramount Theatre 10/3 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Ballroom 10/4 – Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theatre For a full list of shows and ticket information, visit https://mikescottwaterboys.com/waterboys-shows.php.  About Sun Records:  Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is renowned for discovering music legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The label moved to Nashville in 1969 where it continued cultivating acclaimed artists Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups, Linda Martell, and many others. As a member of the newly-formed Sun Label Group under Primary Wave, Sun Records continues to foster musical innovation while honoring its rich history of shaping American music culture. For more information, visit https://sunrecords.com.

The Waterboys Documentary A Wild and Beautiful Ride to Hit YouTube on May 16 — Just In Time For Dennis Hopper Day

I can't wait to catch The Waterboys documentary when it is available on YouTube this coming Friday. Read my review of the band's latest album "Life, Death and Dennis Hopper" HERE...Robert Kinsler

The Waterboys Documentary A Wild and Beautiful Ride to Hit YouTube on May 16 — Just In Time For Dennis Hopper Day Critically Acclaimed Album Life, Death and Dennis Hopper Inspires a Film Honoring the Legacy of a Cultural Icon

(May 14, 2025) – Just before Dennis Hopper Day, A Wild and Beautiful Ride—a powerful new documentary chronicling the creation of The Waterboys’ latest album Life, Death and Dennis Hopper,—will be released globally on YouTube on Friday, May 16. The 48-minute film, which premiered exclusively on Night Flight Plus on May 9, follows the making of the epic 25-track album released by Sun Records this spring. Directed by Mick Puck and Duende Visions, the documentary blends sweeping New Mexico landscapes with candid behind-the-scenes moments and soulful commentary from Waterboys frontman Mike Scott, who spent four years crafting the record. Timed just ahead of Dennis Hopper Day, an annual celebration held in Taos, New Mexico on May 17 (Hopper’s birthday), the film provides a poignant reflection on Hopper’s life, legacy, and enduring influence on global culture. The album and film were both deeply inspired by the actor's wild, multi-faceted journey—from Hollywood’s rebellious youth to spiritual seeker and visionary artist. “The arc of his life was the story of our times,” says Scott. “He was at the big bang of youth culture in Rebel Without a Cause with James Dean; the beginnings of Pop Art with the young Andy Warhol. He was part of the counterculture, hippie, civil rights, and psychedelic scenes of the '60s. In the '70s and '80s, he went on a wild 10-year rip, almost died, came back, got straight, and became a five-movies-a-year character actor—without losing the sparkle in his eye or the sense of danger or unpredictability that always gathered around him.” Released on April 4 via Sun Records, Life, Death and Dennis Hopper has earned widespread critical acclaim across the U.K., Europe, and the U.S. Featuring standout collaborations with Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Steve Earle, Taylor Goldsmith, and more, the album traces the highs and lows of Hopper’s cinematic and personal legacy, framed as a broader meditation on what it means to live, fall, and rise again. The film’s global YouTube premiere on May 16 offers fans around the world a chance to experience the journey in real time—just as the town of Taos gathers for its annual tributes, including the Easy Rider Ride, sunset ceremony, and commemorations at Hopper’s final resting place. The film will be available on The Waterboys YouTube channel on May 16. To learn more about The Waterboys and their worldwide tour, visit mikescottwaterboys.com.  About Sun Records:  Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is renowned for discovering music legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The label moved to Nashville in 1969 where it continued cultivating acclaimed artists Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups, Linda Martell, and many others. As a member of the newly-formed Sun Label Group under Primary Wave, Sun Records continues to foster musical innovation while honoring its rich history of shaping American music culture. For more information, visit https://sunrecords.com.

The Waterboys documentary 'A Wild and Beautiful Ride' to premiere exclusively on Night Flight Plus on Friday, May 9

It's fantastic to hear that a music documentary focused on the creation of The Waterboys' latest album is going to premiere this weekend. Be sure to read my review of the album "Life, Death and Dennis Hopper" HERE...Robert Kinsler

The Waterboys Documentary A Wild and Beautiful Ride to Premiere Exclusively on Night Flight Plus May 9

Film Chronicles the Making of the Critically Acclaimed Album Life, Death and Dennis Hopper Featuring Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Steve Earle, and Taylor Goldsmith

(May 7, 2025) — A Wild and Beautiful Ride, a new 48-minute documentary exploring the creation of The Waterboys’ latest album Life, Death and Dennis Hopper, will premiere exclusively on Night Flight Plus (nightflightplus.com) on Friday, May 9. The film will be released globally on YouTube the following Friday, May 16.

Directed by Mick Puck and Duende Visions, A Wild and Beautiful Ride takes viewers behind the scenes of a bold musical and spiritual journey. The film includes music from the album, location footage shot in New Mexico, and intimate reflections from the band’s lead singer and guitarist Mike Scott, who spent four years crafting the record.

Released on Sun Records on April 4, Life, Death and Dennis Hopper is a 25-track epic that traces the arc of a cultural icon while tackling the deeper questions of existence. Written and produced primarily by Scott alongside bandmates Famous James and Brother Paul, the album features guest appearances by Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Steve Earle and Taylor Goldsmith.

“It begins in his childhood,” says Scott. “It ends the morning after his death, and I get to say a whole lot along the way—not just about Dennis, but about the whole strange adventure of being a human soul on planet Earth. The arc of his life was the story of our times. He was at the big bang of youth culture in Rebel Without a Cause with James Dean; the beginnings of Pop Art with the young Andy Warhol. He was part of the counterculture, hippie, civil rights, and psychedelic scenes of the '60s. In the '70s and '80s, he went on a wild 10-year rip, almost died, came back, got straight, and became a five-movies-a-year character actor—without losing the sparkle in his eye or the sense of danger or unpredictability that always gathered around him.”

The album has received widespread acclaim in the U.K., Europe, and the United States — just ahead of The Waterboys launching a worldwide tour on May 2 in support of the release.

Night Flight Plus, the exclusive streaming home for the documentary, is a premium subscription service inspired by the legendary 1980s TV series Night Flight, created by Stuart S. Shapiro. Described by Pitchfork as “the Punk Criterion Collection” and named “the best overall value among the subscription streamers” by The New York Times, Night Flight Plus offers a curated trove of cult classics, music documentaries, and hard-to-find cultural gems.

For more information on the film, visit nightflightplus.com. For more information on The Waterboys and dates for their 2025 tour, visit mikescottwaterboys.com. 

About Sun Records: 

Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is renowned for discovering music legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The label moved to Nashville in 1969 where it continued cultivating acclaimed artists Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups, Linda Martell, and many others. As a member of the newly-formed Sun Label Group under Primary Wave, Sun Records continues to foster musical innovation while honoring its rich history of shaping American music culture.

For more information, visit https://sunrecords.com. 

New music: The Waterboys, The Bablers, Johnny Rawls, Nathan McEuen

A terrific concept album from modern rock greats The Waterboys, an essential reissue from Finnish power pop heroes The Bablers and a soulful return from Johnny Rawls are among the great audio title releases of early 2025.

Artist: The Waterboys

Title: Life, Death and Dennis Hopper (Sun Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Waterboys, Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple

Tell me more: The life and legend of legendary actor/photographer/filmmaker Dennis Hopper is revisited and masterfully brought to life via the Waterboys' ambitious new album Life, Death and Dennis Hopper. Waterboys band leader Mike Scott chronicles the life and mythos of the late Hollywood icon (Hopper died at age 74 in 2010) via a 25-track masterwork that proves to be one of the Waterboys' greatest-ever albums. While each of the tracks on Life, Death and Dennis Hopper stand on their own as great songs, the album is best listened to in chronological order and in its entirety. Things kick off with the acoustic Americana cut "Kansas," featuring guest lead vocals from singer Steve Earle (who co-wrote the nugget with Scott). Subsequent songs continue to highlight key events in Hopper's life and career; highlights include the jazzy "Hollywood '55" recalling Hopper being cast in "Rebel Without A Cause" and his introduction to actress Natalie Wood; "Live In The Moment, Baby" is a punk rock cut that finds Hopper recalling advice given to him by "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Giant" co-star James Dean; Hopper's fascination with photography is highlighted in the shimmering retro rocker "The Tourist" (the latter featuring backing vocals courtesy of Sugarfoot). Moving along Scott touches on the movie "Easy Rider" in the lush "Blues For Terry Southern" and lilting "Riding Down To Mardi Gras," the lovely instrumental "Daria," the stark "Letter From An Unknown Girlfriend" featuring affecting lead vocals and piano from Fiona Apple, Hopper's successful battle against addiction in the poignant "I Don't Know How I Made It," and spoken word-anchored rocker "Aftermath" reflecting on Hopper's life immediately after his passing. Each selection on Life, Death and Dennis Hopper propels and enhances the concept album. Information: sunrecords.com.

Artist: The Bablers

Title: Like The First Time (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Del Amitri, Fountains Of Wayne, Teenage Fanclub, The Beatles

Tell me more: It's hard to imagine anything easier than listening to the fantastic new collection from Finnish power pop veterans The Bablers. Big Stir Records has just reissued Like The First Time — long out of print and previously only available in Japan and Finland — a 14-track disc that plays like a greatest hits-filled album with one terrific original after another. Now newly re-sequenced and featuring new mixes and arrangements, the mid-career Bablers collection kicks off with the melodic opener "You Are The One For Me" (a track recently selected by Stevie Van Zandt as "The Coolest Song in the World This Week" on SiriusXM's Underground Garage); other early standouts include the jangly power pop gem "One Of Those Dreams," reflective "Sometimes," rousing Britpop-flavored rocker "Thinking Of You," and alluring "Holding Me Tight Tonight." The last half of Like The First Time continues to yield sonic gold for discerning listeners thanks to great songs like the exuberant "That Little Something," probing "In This World," carefree melodic sortie "Here I Come," Beatlesque title track and beautiful brand new cut "Where The Wind Blows Free." Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Johnny Rawls

Title: Make Them Dance (Catfood Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Huey Lewis and the News, John Németh

Tell me more: Acclaimed award-winning blues singer Johnny Rawls is back with the aptly-titled Make Them Dance. The 10-track disc is not only a great album of new recordings, it also stands as the final project completed by legendary Grammy-winning producer and studio engineer Jim Gaines (Huey Lewis and the News, Santana, Walter Trout, Steve Miller Band) at his Bessie Blue Studio in Stantonville, Tennessee. Make Them Dance has winning tracks that will definitely get music lovers' feet moving even while there are others that showcase Rawls' soulful vocals via blues ballads (just listen to "Dreams of You," "Give It To Me" and "Rip Off The Bandage"). Uptempo delights on the disc include the opener "So Cold," the sleek "Make Them Dance," R&B-mining "Costs Too Much" and "The Long Road." Information: catfoodrecords.com.

Artist: Nathan McEuen

Title: My One and Only (Mesa/Blue Moon Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Dan Fogelberg, Stephen Bishop

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Nathan McEuen's new EP My One and Only features five songs that conjure up the magic of '70s soft rock heroes such including Dan Fogelberg and Stephen Bishop. The EP is anchored by the title track, a beautiful love song McEuen penned as a tribute to his wife Tracy; the track features McEuen's strong lead vocals positioned against his own guitar playing and piano provided by Chris Caswell. The bluesy "Sticks & Stones" is undeniably melodic and the soundscape is enhanced by the work of Jesse Siebenberg (who plays a number of instruments on the track including bass, drums and slide guitar). The lovely Caribbean-flavored "Beautiful Night" showcases the range of McEuen's range as a singer and songwriter, this original bolstered by an elevated chorus and tapestry of mandolin and a string section. Information: mesabluemoon.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Waterboys announce brand new studio album 'Life, Death And Dennis Hopper' out April 4 via Sun Records

Big news today with the announcement with the forthcoming new album from The Waterboys. And revisit the band's wonderful legacy via my 2019 concert review of the band available HERE...Robert Kinsler

The Waterboys Announce Brand New Studio Album

Life, Death And Dennis Hopper

Out April 4, 2025 via Sun Records

Guests include Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle, Fiona Apple and Taylor Goldsmith

 

First Single ‘Hopper’s On Top (Genius)’ Out Friday, Jan. 10, 2025

 

The Waterboys today make the very special announcement of their brand new, sixteenth studio album Life, Death And Dennis Hopper - out April 4, 2025 on Sun Records.   The most audacious Waterboys album yet, Life, Death And Dennis Hopper is the epic story of the trailblazing American actor and rebel told through a song cycle depicting not only Hopper's story but the saga of the last 75 years of western pop culture. "The arc of his life was the story of our times," says band leader Mike Scott, "He was at the big bang of youth culture in Rebel Without A Cause with James Dean; and the beginnings of Pop Art with the young Andy Warhol. He was part of the counter-culture, hippie, civil rights and psychedelic scenes of the '60s. In the '70s and '80s he went on a wild 10-year rip, almost died, came back, got straight and became a five-movies-a-year character actor without losing the sparkle in his eye or the sense of danger or unpredictability that always gathered around him."    As a taste of what’s to come the album’s first track drop, ‘Hopper’s On Top (Genius)’ will be unveiled on streaming and video this Friday, Jan 10. The song captures the electric, heady moment when Hopper’s Easy Rider became a cultural phenomenon and cemented his place in Hollywood history. Buoyed by Scott’s searing vocals, vibrant instrumentation, and a psychedelic edge, the song channels the euphoria and hubris of the 1960s counterculture that Hopper epitomized.   Scott worked for four years on Life, Death And Dennis Hopper. Produced with Waterboys bandmates Famous James and Brother Paul, the album spans 25 tracks and traces the extraordinary arc of Hopper’s life, from his youth in Kansas to his long rise, five wives, tumultuous fall, and ultimate redemption. Every track has its own special place and fascinating, deep-rooted story.   "It begins in his childhood, ends the morning after his death, and I get to say a whole lot along the way, not just about Dennis, but about the whole strange adventure of being a human soul on planet earth," says Scott.   The album is The Waterboys' first for Sun – ”Hey", says Scott, "we're labelmates with Howlin' Wolf and young Elvis!" – and alongside Scott’s masterful songwriting, the album features a stellar lineup of guests including Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Steve Earle, Nashville-based Alt Americana artist Anana Kaye, young English singer Barny Fletcher, Norwegian country-rockers Sugarfoot, Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go's, and punk arch-priestess Patti Palladin — incorporating a kaleidoscopic blend of genres that embodies the band’s trademark spirit of musical exploration.    For more information about The Waterboys, visit the band’s website HERE.   Life, Death And Dennis Hopper marks yet another captivating chapter for this most mercurial of bands. It’s storytelling that transcends, pulls us in and takes us on a wild, beautiful ride.   Life, Death And Dennis Hopper tracklisting Kansas (featuring Steve Earle) Hollywood '55 Live In The Moment, Baby Brooke / 1712 North Crescent Heights Andy (A Guy Like You) The Tourist (featuring Barny Fletcher) Freaks On Wheels Blues For Terry Southern Memories Of Monterey Riding Down To Mardi Gras Hopper's On Top (Genius) Transcendental Peruvian Blues Michelle (Always Stay) Freakout At The Mud Palace Daria Ten Years Gone (featuring Bruce Springsteen) Letter From An Unknown Girlfriend (featuring Fiona Apple) Rock Bottom I Don't Know How I Made It (featuring Taylor Goldsmith) Frank (Let's Fu*k) Katherine (featuring Anana Kaye) Everybody Loves Dennis Hopper Golf, They Say Venice, California (Victoria)/The Passing Of Hopper Aftermath

Photo Credit: Paul Mac Manus mikescottwaterboys.com