☀ Fisherman's Blues ☀


  1. windmill_2
  2. Welcome to the Fisherman's Blues Page. This Page contains some background of the recording in Spiddal, some eyewitness stories, a Tomás MacEoin interview, a round-up of various record/CD pressings, cassettes, memorabilia and other pieces relating to  the Fisherman's Blues album.

    Fisherman's Blues was released (after some delay) in October 1988 to great acclaim and ecstatic reviews in Ireland, Europe and beyond. It saw the band embark on one their longest ever tours worldwide (only surpassed by the 'Modern Blues' tour) and the album sold by the truckload.

    This album is still as relevant and vital today as it was on the day it was released.

    A heartfelt thank you to Tomás MacEoin for the invitation to his home some unforgettable chat, stories and songs.

    Sincere thanks to Breda Hughes for opening Tígh Hughes Pub to the Fan Site, Martina Goggin, Véronique Castellanos, Micheál Ó Flaithearta and his parents Anne and Séan Tim Flaherty.

    Thank you to Takako Saito, Andy Pritchatt, Dag Reinert Johansen, Richard Dowling, Flattop, Enrico Parco, Paul Murphy, Javi Morant, Harry Schets, Stephen Charlton and Stefano Bugnoni for contributing various items to this web page.




    ☀ The Waterboys - Patreon Page ☀

    Mike writes: "Patreon is a way for us to share with fans the music that might not make it onto the records: jams, demos, strange songs, experiments. We also have a lot of great live recordings that have never been made public. We'll be posting these too. I also have ideas for video content and other stuff. It's gonna be a lot of fun."

    An ever-growing hoard of unreleased gems, stories and great chat await within! To join please

    Click Here - The Waterboys - Patreon Page




    ☄ The Waterboys & Mick Puck Facebook Group ☄

    Launched in April 2020, this treasure-filled and most active Facebook fan group The Waterboys & Mick Puck was created by two genuine lifelong admirers of the band.

    This group was created for YOU the fan as a place of friendships where your opinion and input are greatly valued.

    You will find all the latest news, photos, videos, memorabilia, Exclusive Group Giveaways and much more besides. The page is already laden with previously unseen treasures that will not be found anywhere else online, with much more to come.

    So why not join us and be a part of something truly special! The Waterboys & Mick Puck - Facebook Group - Click Here!





    This extensive Page is split into several sections for quick and easy access.

    **Click on the heading title below to go to that section** .....


    Tígh Hughes Pub

    Stories and photos from Hughes Pub in Spiddal.

    Tomás MacEoin

    An interview with Tomás MacEoin.

    Acetates - Vinyl Albums

    Here you will acetates, find worldwide releases and test pressings.


    7-Inch Singles

    A varied selection of worldwide releases, promos and acetates.

    Fisherman's Blues

    And A Bang On The Ear

    Tomás MacEoin & The Waterboys 7-Inch


    12-Inch Singles

    Various releases, test pressings and promo singles.


    CD Albums and More

    Worldwide releases, promos and related releases.

    CD Singles and More

    Worldwide releases, promos releases.


    Album Cassettes

    A selection of worldwide releases.

    Cassette Singles

    A number of original worldwide cassette singles.


    Memorabilia

    A selection original Fisherman's Blues memorabilia.


    Legacy Releases

    Related releases, compilations and expanded versions.





    ☄ Rarely Seen Windmill Lane Photos ☄

    These photos (and the photo above) were taken at a photo shoot at Windmill Lane Studios during the Fisherman's Blues recording sessions, after Mike had given an interview to Irish music magazine 'Rhythm & Bitch Review'. This magazine was produced by the Art students of University College Dublin.


  3. windmill1




























  4. spiddal_beach_art
  5. Spiddal Beach Art created by Micheál Ó Flaithearta on a beautiful day in Spiddal.                              - Sunday 14th October 2018.



    Tígh Hughes Pub

    Tígh Hughes Pub in Spiddal was the beating heart of the village and a hub for the band where they would relax and socialise with locals after all-day recording sessions in Spiddal House.

  6. hughes

















  7. Breda Hughes the owner of this very fine public house, has many stories to tell and recalls all   the local people of the village having a great fondness for the band and crew and being very protective towards them.

    Breda says: 'They all had bicycles and they used to cycle all over the village. And they bought Tomás a bicycle too.'

    'There were musicians that would arrive and who would pop up to them in Spiddal House and when they had finished, it would ten or eleven o'clock, they would come down here. Or sometimes when they were very busy recording they would ring down on the house phone and ask for drinks. And we would sit in the car with a full tray of pints of Guinness resting on our knees and head off up the driveway.'

    Martina Goggin remembers: 'We used to have the set dancing above there (points to floor in front of the fireplace) and come ten o'clock the boys would come in. And they would usually watch us dance although I don't think they ever joined in. Mike was always interested in listening to the music.'

    Breda continues: 'And we would get phone calls here in the pub from people looking to talk to someone in the band about something, they thought they were ringing Spiddal House and I'd say "They are above recording but I'll pass the message on when they come in later." '

    'They were a great bunch of lads and they gave a huge boost to the economy of the area, between renting accommodation, buying fuel and groceries and socialising in the pub.'

    'And if say, tourists were asking "Are the Waterboys staying here?" we would say "They are busy recording but they might be around tomorrow". The locals were very protective of them and wouldn't have anyone wandering up uninvited to see them. And sure there was no security or anything like that in those days, they were different times. So we would make sure that they were left alone.'


    Séan Tim Flaherty remembers the band and Mike very fondly. He says: 'Mike Scott was a gentleman, a pure gentleman, that is how I would describe him.'




    ☄ Album Cover Photo in Tígh Hughes Pub ☄

  8. fb_hughes_photo



































  9. ☄ 'Busk' Photo in Tígh Hughes Pub ☄

    There is a lovely story behind this photo. Breda recalls: 'There was a group of school children who wanted to see the band play in the pub but as it was evening time it was too late for them  to go inside, so the band came outside and played a little concert just for them'.

  10. fb_busk_hughes
































  11. ☄ Team Waterboys Football Photo ☄

    The famous football match that took place in the grounds of the Irish College in Spiddal. The teams included many members of The Waterboys, The Saw Doctors (in the opposing team) the crew and many locals. This team photo was taken on the day and proudly hangs in Tígh Hughes Pub. It also features on the inner sleeve of the Room to Roam album which was also recorded   in Spiddal House. According to Micheál Ó Flaithearta, who was  at the game: "They were only playing for a laugh and it was brilliant fun and the final score of the match was a draw at 2-2!"

  12. football_hughes
































  13. Tomás MacEoin: Fisherman Memories


  14. tomas_mac_eoin
  15. Tomás MacEoin hardly needs any introduction here on this Fan Site. His sublime vocal on The Stolen Child is something that will have future generations in awe.

    He is a very well respected poet, a singer and a sheanachaí (Story Teller). He has lived in the same   house for his whole life and is held in the highest regard by musicians, poets and writers alike, including our President Michael D. Higgins.

    In a nutshell, he is nothing less than a national treasure.

    It was an enormous honour for this web author to spend a couple of hours in the company of this truly estimable man and to listen to him tell a few tales, to hear him    sing some of his songs and recite some poetry including the aforementioned The Stolen Child in his own very distinctive voice.

    (Photo: Tomás relaxing at his home with the Fisherman's Blues gold disc hanging behind him.)

    Tomás is a man who has lived a full life and to see him you quickly realise that he just   resonates with wisdom and he has a wonderful sense of humour. The conversation veered in    all directions covering many subjects but of interest to us here is his own recollection of his association with the band.

    J: So Tomás have you lived here in this house for long?

    Tomás: 'I'm here all my life. It used to be a thatched house as far back as I can remember. My father's name was James too, Jimmy MacEoin and my mother came from over beyond, (he points) there across the way. It was matchmaking back in those days. But the one thing that they had in common, which was strange, they were both mad for music, singing and dancing.   My father was fairly good at dancing but he wasn't as good as me though!' (laughs)

    J: And how did the Waterboys get a hold of you?

    Tomás: 'I don't know. I had a habit of going, you know, where concerts were on or where a session might be happening. I had a habit of going amongst them and I would pretend I could sing better than them. I was a chancer.'

    J: But you were well known as a great singer?

    Tomás: 'Ah I suppose, or you talking about sewing machines? (laughs) Singer sewing   machines! Ah no sure it was great! The first time I heard about them [the WBs] was on the   radio but it didn't mean anything to me. I didn't know who they were when they were in  Spiddal. Anyway, they came to the door one night and I was only after coming in from the bog and I knew they were around. So they were knocking on the door. "Who's there?" says I and they said "The Waterboys". I could see these two men outside with long hair. Anton.. and    Trevor I think. "Go away" I said "I'm not paying for any more water!"' (laughs)

    J: So you went off with them to Spiddal?

    Tomás: 'I did. All the great musicians used to come to Spiddal village. And Spiddal House was where the recording was done, the old way. Mrs Buckley lived there and I met her a few times,  a lovely woman. There was very little done to the house when the Waterboys were there. Big empty rooms.'

    J: And when the record was finished and came out you went out on tour with them as well?

    Tomás: 'Oh I did. I met the band in Spiddal, did the recording and I thought that was the end of it. But then Jimmy Hickey called in to me and said "We are going on a tour" and I said "Jimmy what are you talking about?" Jimmy says "We are going to see Mike, he wants to talk to you about it". So I went anyway, and I really enjoyed it.'

    J: Do you remember where you started, the first concerts?

    Tomás: 'We started off in Galway, in Seapoint, we did two nights and the roars and the cheers! Then we went to Dublin and to Sligo and Cork too I think. A crowd of young people there. Sure   I couldn't believe it! It was great.'

    J: And you went abroad too?

    Tomás: 'We did. we went over to England and Scotland and Cardiff in Wales. And we went to France too. In Brittany. The local people would say [about me] "Where is he gone now?"    "What has happened to him?" "He has gone mad!"' (laughs)

    J: Thank you Tomás for seeing me and for the great chat.

    Tomás: 'Not at all, thank you for visiting. They were great times. Life was wonderful then.   Thank you for the memories.'





    ☄ Fisherman's Blues Irish Gold Discs ☄

    Two authentic Gold Discs for sales of the Fisherman's Blues album in Ireland.

  16. fb_irish_gold_disc_a.jpg
  17. fb_irish_gold_disc_tme.jpg



























  18. ☄ Outtake from the Photo Shoot at Spiddal House ☄

    An outtake from the album cover photo shoot at Spiddal House. Note the extra instruments in the shot.

  19. fb_pic_outtake























  20. Acetates, Vinyl Albums and Test Pressings





    ☄ Fisherman's Blues - Acetates ☄





    ☄ Fisherman's Blues - Three Track Acetate ☄

    This is a three track one- sided acetate that contains three songs: Twa' Recruiting Sergents, When Will We Be Married and Strange Boat. It is believed to be the first acetate cut and most likely it is one of a kind. Thank you Richard.

  21. wbs_fb_3_trk_acetate






















  22. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Acetate - Different Track Listing ☄

    Probably the rarest of all the pieces on display here on this page, this is a full LP acetate of Fisherman's Blues with a different track listing and with all information on the sleeve and   record labels handwritten by Mike. 'THIS IS THE ALBUM' was cut on September 3 1988.

    This acetate is a true one-off and a unique artefact. Thank you Dag.

  23. dag_fb3



































  24. dag_fb_1_2






















  25. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Acetate - August 1988 ☄

    This full album acetate has a standard track listing and has all titles handwritten by Mike. It is dated Aug 88.

    Thank you Andy.

  26. wbs_fb_acetate_1


































  27. wbs_fb_acetate_2
  28. wbs_fb_acetate_3























  29. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Original Vinyls ☄





    ☄ Irish Fisherman's Blues Record Labels ☄

    A rare set of unused record labels printed in September 1988 for the 'Fisherman's Blues' vinyl album.

    These labels were left over from the manufacture of the original first pressing of the vinyl LP for CBS Records - Ireland in the Carlton Productions plant in Dublin.

  30. fishermans_blues_labels























  31. ☄ Irish Pressing ☄

    This is an Irish pressing of the album which was manufactured in the Carlton Productions Record Plant in Dublin, notable by the Double Dip at the centre of the label. The wax that was used by the Carlton Productions Plant also has a slight brownish tint which takes on a golden brown translucent hue when the vinyl is held up to a light. These identifying characteristics are exclusive to the Irish Record Plant.

  32. wbs_fishermans_blues_irish_lp
























  33. ☄ Signed LP ☄


    The original album which was released in October 1988.

    This one is signed by the Fantastic Four. Thank you Enrico.

  34. fb_lp_signed





































  35. ☄ South Africa ☄

    A rare South African pressing in a unique sleeve with gold font and an off-white background.

    None of the band had ever seen a copy of this South African LP before.

  36. fb_sth_africa





































  37. ☄ Zimbabwe Pressing ☄

    A rare Zimbabwe pressing of Fisherman's Blues again with a unique sleeve. Thank you Flattop.

  38. fb_zim_cover
  39. fb_zim_2



















  40. fb_zim_3
  41. fb_zim_4




















  42. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Argentina Pressing

    Original Argentina issue of Fisherman's Blues. with a black and white photo on back sleeve   (with cover photo insert) and all titles on sleeve and labels in Spanish and English.

    This album (along with the Argentinian cassette listed below) is the only worldwide release by The Waterboys with primary non-English songtitles on the sleeve and record labels.

  43. arg_5





































  44. arg_4
  45. arg_3






















  46. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Brazil Pressing ☄

    A pressing from Brazil on the Chrysalis label.

  47. fb_brazil_side_1
  48. fb_brazil_side_2






















  49. ☄ Fisherman's Blues White Label LP Test Pressing ☄

    Thank you Dag.

  50. fb_test_press_lp































  51. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Swedish Test Pressing ☄

    A rare Swedish test pressing for Fisherman's Blues. Thank you Flattop.

  52. f20























  53. ☄ German Sonopress Test Pressing ☄

  54. wbs_fb_album_german_test_press
  55. A Sonopress test pressing of the Fisherman's Blues album from Germany.
























    7-Inch Singles and More


    Press Advert - Thank you Javi.

  56. fisherman_advert


























  57. Fisherman's Blues 7-Inch




    ☄ Irish Pressing - ENY 620 ☄

    This is an Irish pressing of the single with a unique catalogue number of ENY 620. This 7-inch single was pressed in the Carlton Productions Record Plant in Dublin, notable by the Double Dip at centre of label and the gripper teeth surrounding the label rim. Both of these identifying characteristics are exclusive to the Irish Record Plant.

  58. irish_fisherman_single_a1
  59. irish_fisherman_single_b2






















  60. ☄ France 7-Inch Promo ☄

    Thank you Dag.

  61. dag_42





































  62. ☄ Australia 7-Inch Promo ☄

    Australian 'Limited Edition' promo single of Fisherman's Blues in a picture sleeve.

  63. fb_aus_1
  64. fb_aus_2




















  65. ☄ Canada 7-Inch Promo ☄

    Canadian promo 7-inch single of 'Fisherman's Blues' backed with 'Lost Highway'.

  66. canada_fb_promo_7_a
  67. canada_fb_promo_7_b





















  68. ☄ South African Promo ☄

    A South African promo 7-inch single of 'Fisherman's Blues' uniquely b/w 'Strange Boat' and also a mention of the once mooted but discarded album title 'The Fisherman's Blues Band'. This single did not get a commercial release in South Africa so it is an extremely rare record.

  69. fb_s_africa_7_promo_1a
  70. fb_s_africa_7_promo_2b





















  71. ☄ Germany 7-Inch Promo ☄

    Thank you Harry.

  72. fb_german_promo_7a
  73. fb_german_promo_7b




















  74. ☄ Sweet Thing - Fisherman's Blues Jukebox Only 7-Inch ☄

    Thank you Dag.

  75. dag_33.jpg







































  76. And A Bang On The Ear 7-Inch





    ☄ Ireland / UK 7-Inch Single ☄

    'And A Bang on The Ear' was released as a single in a die-cut sleeve on June 19th 1989. In early July it reached number one in the Irish singles charts.

  77. wbs_bang_7_inch_a
  78. wbs_bang_7_inch_b






















  79. ☄ UK DJ Promo 7-inch ☄

    This is a rare UK DJ promotional single of And A Bang On The Ear with the ENY DJ 624 identifier on the labels.

  80. wbs_bang_dj_7_a
  81. wbs_bang_dj_7_b






















  82. ☄ Italy ☄

    The Italian 7-inch release was issued on a cream coloured label and came housed in a full colour non die-cut sleeve.

  83. wbs_bang_7_italy_a




















  84. wbs_bang_7_italy_b






















  85. ☄ South Africa Promo ☄

    This is a very scarce South African promotional single And A Bang On The Ear with the PROMO 7 identifier on the label rim. Uniquely this single is backed with Has Anybody Here Seen Hank? This single never got a commercial release in South Africa so it is an incredibly rare item.

  86. wbs_bang_south_africa_7_promo_a
  87. wbs_bang_south_africa_7_promo_b






















  88. ☄ 7-Inch Acetate ☄

    Thank you Dag.

  89. dag_01






































  90. Tomás MacEoin: Down By The Sally Gardens / Blean Na Bó

    This version of the very hard-to-find double A-side single of Down By The Sally Gardens b/w Blean Na Bó (Hey Rock N Roll) is notable for the misspelling of . The number that were pressed with this error is not known.

    Released in 1989, it features all of the (then) Waterboys: Mike, Anto, Steve, Trevor, Noel Bridgeman, Colin Blakey and John Dunford. Liam O'Maonlái also appears on backing vocals. This single was also produced by Mike. If you happen to come across one of these, do not hesitate.

  91. tomas_cover
  92. tomas_reverse




















  93. tomas_side_1
  94. tomas_side_2





















  95. ☄ Tomás MacEoin Single with Correct Spelling ☄

    This is the Tomás single with the correct spelling on a slightly different label. The number of the corrected version that exist is not known. Both versions of the single were pressed in the Carlton Productions Record Plant in Dublin, notable by the Double Dip at centre of label and the gripper teeth surrounding the label rim. Both of these identifying characteristics are unique to the Irish Record Plant.

  96. tomas_side_a
  97. tomas_side_aa






















  98. ☄ Hot Press Covers 1986 - 1989 ☄

    Irish music magazine Hot Press covers from 1986 and 1989 with extensive interviews and concert reviews within.

  99. hot_press_86
  100. hot_press_89



























    12-Inch Singles and More




    ☄ 12-Inch Singles with Different Sleeves ☄

    Original release of Fisherman's Blues 12-inch issued in two different sleeves.

  101. fb_12_inch
  102. wbs_fisherman's _blues_1988_12_1





















  103. ☄ Fisherman's Blues - Spanish 12-Inch ☄

    Signed by the Fantastic Four. Thank you Javi.

  104. fb_spanish_12





































  105. ☄ Italy - And A Bang On The Ear ☄

    The Italian 12-inch release was issued on a cream coloured label and came housed in a full colour non die-cut sleeve.

  106. wbs_bang_12_italy_a




















  107. wbs_bang_12_italy_b






















  108. ☄ Promo 12-Inch Singles ☄

    12-inch promo singles of a Canadian 'Fisherman's Blues' and a UK 'And A Bang on The Ear'.

  109. fb_12_promo
  110. bang_12_promo1




















  111. ☄ Australian Promo 12-Inch Single ☄

    Australian 12-inch promo single of 'Fisherman's Blues'. Thank you Harry.

  112. aus_promo_12_a
  113. aus_promo_12_b




















  114. ☄ Fisherman's Blues 12-Inch Acetate ☄

    A 12-inch Fisherman's Blues Acetate backed with Lost Highway (photo insert) and signed by Mike, Steve and Anto. Thank you Dag.

  115. fb_12_inch_acetate





































  116. ☄ Another Outtake from Spiddal House Photo Shoot ☄

    Another outtake from the album cover photo shoot at Spiddal House.

  117. fb_pic_outtake_1a






























  118. CD Albums and More




    ☄ Original Release 1988 ☄

    Original 1988 issue of Fisherman's Blues with lyric booklet.

  119. wbs_fb_standard_cd_1
  120. wbs_fb_standard_cd_2



















  121. ☄ Japan Original Release 1988 ☄

    A scarce original 1988 issue of Fisherman's Blues with lyric booklet and OBI strip included. Thank you Takako.

  122. japan_fisherman_orig_1
  123. japan_fisherman_orig_2




















  124. ☄ 'Fisherman's Blues 1988' - Sample Promo ☄

    A scarce original sample promo CD of Fisherman's Blues with Promo tag, Lyric booklet, OBI and Sample Not For Sale printed on disc.

  125. fb_sample_promo
  126. fb_sample_promo_2





















  127. ☄ 'Fisherman's Blues' 1999 ☄

    A 1999 reissue of Fisherman's Blues with lyric booklet and OBI strip included.
    Thank you Takako.

  128. japan_fisherman_1999_1
  129. japan_fisherman_1999_2




















  130. ☄ USA Longbox Edition ☄

    The USA album was first released in a longbox, with artwork unique to this version. The longbox format was normal practice at the time. However, very few of these have survived intact so if you happen upon one, do not hesitate. Still Sealed longbox album shown.

  131. wbs_fisherman's_blues_usa_longbox_cd





































  132. CD Singles and More




    Two CD singles were released from the Fisherman's Blues album, the title track and And A Bang On The Ear. Both of these contain exclusive B-sides.

    The Fisherman's Blues single was released as a two-track CD with Lost Highway. This copy was signed in Glasgow on New Year's Eve 1989. Thank you Stephen.

  133. wbs_signed_fisherman's _blues_1988_cd_single


















  134. Press Advert with Colin Blakey - Thank you Javi.

  135. bang_advert


























  136. The And A Bang On The Ear single is backed with a live Raggle Taggle Gypsy and this was released as both a 5-inch and a 3-inch CD.

  137. bang_cd_singles






















  138. ☄ And A Bang on The Ear 3-Track Promo CD ☄

  139. bang_promo_disc





















  140. ☄ And A Bang on The Ear UK and US Promo CDs ☄

    The And A Bang On The Ear promo one-track UK CD and a US promo with tour dates sticker. Thank you Harry.

  141. bang_uk_promo_1_trk
  142. bang_us_promo





















    Cassette Albums





    ☄ Original Album Cassette ☄

  143. fb_album_cass






















  144. ☄ Promo Album Cassette ☄

    A promotional cassette of the Fisherman's Blues album in a text only sleeve. Thank you Andy.

  145. wbs_fb_promo_album_cassette















  146. fb_album_tape_promo_sleeve




























  147. ☄ Promo 'Soap Dish' Cassette ☄

    A promo cassette of the Fisherman's Blues album from the Netherlands in a soap dish style case.

  148. wbs_f.blues_soapdish_promo_tape


















  149. ☄ USA Promo Cassette ☄

    A promotional cassette of the Fisherman's Blues album from the USA.

  150. wbs_fish_blues_usa_promo_tape


















  151. Argentina Cassette

    This Argentinian Fisherman's Blues album cassette (and the Argentinian LP record listed above) is the only worldwide release by The Waterboys with non-English song titles on sleeve and cassette.

  152. wbs_arg_fb_tape_1




















  153. wbs_arg_fb_tape_2






















  154. ☄ Australia Cassette ☄

    The Australian cassette has an all over green sleeve and black text.

  155. wbs_fb_oz_tape























  156. ☄ Greece Cassette ☄

    The Greek cassette has it's own stylish artwork with a paper seal. This is a still sealed copy.

  157. wbs_fb_greek_tape

























  158. ☄ Portugal Cassette ☄

    The Portuguese cassette has a very distinctive and unique grey sleeve.

  159. wbs_fb_port_tape






















  160. ☄ Taiwan Cassette ☄

    The extremely rare cassette from Taiwan is the only known official release that has the album artwork in Sepia.

    It comes in a wraparound sepia sleeve and includes a fold-out double-sided lyric sheet. If you ever come across one of these, do not hesitate.

  161. wbs_fisherman's_blues_taiwan_tape_cover_1





















  162. wbs_fisherman's_blues_taiwan_tape
























  163. ☄ South African Cassette ☄

    The cassette from South Africa has the same striking album art as the vinyl.

    And uniquely it has 'Fisherman's Blues Band' as the album name on the cassette. This was once mooted as the actual album title.

  164. wbs_fb_sth_africa_tape






















  165. ☄ United Arab Emirates - Thomsun Original ☄

    A cassette manufactured in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with superb sound. These Thomsun tapes are highly sought after.

  166. fisherman_thomsun_tape



























  167. Cassette Singles:




    Original release cassette single with same songs as the vinyl and CD single releases.

  168. wbs_bang_cassette_single

























  169. ☄ Australia - Cassette Single ☄

    A very hard to find Australian cassette single of Fisherman's Blues released through Festival Records in distinctive yellow colouring.

  170. aus_fb_cassette_single




























  171. aus_fb_cassette_single_sleeve



























  172. Fisherman's Blues Memorabilia




    ☄ Fisherman's Blues Tour Laminates 1988 - 1989 ☄

    Four original band and crew Tour Laminates from 1988 and 1989.

  173. fb_lam_1
  174. fb_lam_2
























    ☄ Fisherman's Blues Tour 1989 - Aftershow Passes ☄

    Thank you Paul.

  175. passes_1
  176. passes_2































    ☄ Fisherman's Blues Press Release ☄

    Press release in a gatefold cover. Thank you Harry.

  177. fb_press_release
































  178. ☄ Promo Record Shop Display ☄

    A promo record shop display poster sent out to record stores in 1988. Thank you Dag.

  179. fb_display_poster1





























  180. ☄ The Fisherman's Blues Promo Postcard ☄

    This promotional postcard was inserted into some copies of the gold stamped promo only LP.

  181. card_2























  182. The description on the reverse of the card is: 'The Waterboys and their friends enjoying a beautiful spring day on the front porch of Spiddal House in County Galway, Ireland'.


  183. card_1
  184. fb_promo_stamp

















    ☄ Second Fisherman's Blues Promo Postcard ☄

    This is a different promo card as it has band name and album title on the front and does not     have the photo description on the reverse.

  185. pc_3



























  186. ☄ Original Promo Photo and Tour Flyer ☄

    Promo photo for the album, taken in the Brazen Head Pub in Dublin and an original tour flyer.

  187. fb_promo_photo
  188. fb_flyer





























    ☄ Fisherman's Blues Tour Programme ☄

    A very scarce and beautifully printed Tour programme which was made for, and only on sale at the Olympia Theatre shows in Dublin. This Tour programme is highly sought after.

  189. fb_programme.jpg




























  190. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Tour Poster ☄

    A rare poster for the Fisherman's Blues tour with all of the UK dates listed. Thank you Dag.

  191. fb89.jpg




















































  192. ☄ Fisherman's Blues 'On Tour' Poster ☄

    An original and scarce 'On Record - On Tour' poster for the Fisherman's Blues Tour with two 1988 gig tickets, two different promo postcards and backstage pass.

  193. fb_on_tour1.jpg






























  194. ☄ Nijmegen 1989 Tour Poster ☄

    An original poster for the show in Nijmegen, Holland. Thank you Harry.

  195. nijmegen_poster_1989.jpg




















































  196. ☄ Barrowland Ballroom - Backstage Passes 1989 ☄

    The band waved farewell to the 1980's by playing two shows in the Barrowland Ballroom Glasgow on December 30th and 31st 1989. These are two backstage passes from these gigs.

  197. barrowland_89_passes.jpg


















  198. ☄ Promo Photo from The Brazen Head Pub Dublin ☄

    Another promotional photo taken in The Brazen Head Pub off Usher's Quay, Dublin.

  199. fb_promo_photo2
































  200. ☄ The Fisherman's Blues Songbook ☄

    Original songbook released in 1989 containing music and lyrics from the album.


  201. fb_songbook1
  202. fb_songbook2


























    ☄ 'And A Bang On The Ear' Sheet Music ☄

    Rare Sheet Music for 'And A Bang On The Ear', housed in a triple gatefold printed wallet, and Quarto (slightly larger than A4) sized.

  203. ear_sheet_music.jpg



























  204. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Scarf (Unofficial) ☄

    This unofficial but colourful scarf was on sale outside of the Irish shows in 1988 and 1989. Scarves like these were not made to be worn but to be waved aloft. It is added here as a    novelty piece.


  205. fb_scarf.jpg
























  206. Fisherman's Blues: Legacy Releases




    ☄ Too Close To Heaven ☄

    The 'Too Close To Heaven' album containing outtakes from the 'Fisherman's Blues' sessions     was released in 2001.

    Shown below are the album sleeve and a promo only CD single for 'A Home in the Meadow'.


  207. too_close





















  208. ☄ Too Close To Heaven/Higher In Time Promo CDs ☄

    Promo CD of 'Too Close To Heaven'. Thank you Harry.

    And a one-track promo of 'Higher in Time' both in paper sleeves.


  209. too_close_promo_cd_cover
  210. higher





















    ☄ Fisherman's Blues Part 2 ☄

    In the USA the 'Too Close To Heaven' album was released as 'Fisherman's Blues Part 2'.

    And it also contains the same outtakes from the 'Fisherman's Blues' sessions, but it also contains an extra bonus disc of five songs not on the conventional release.

    Among these extra songs is a live version of 'Too Close To Heaven' from the Paradiso, Amsterdam in 2001.

  211. fb_part_2





















  212. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Part 2 Advance Promo CD ☄

  213. fb_part_2_promo






















  214. ☄ Fisherman's Blues: Collectors Edition 2006 ☄

    The 2 CD Collectors Edition of Fisherman's Blues was released in 2006. Disc 2 contains a fabulous selection of more outtakes from the sessions.

  215. fb_col_1
  216. fb_col_2




















    ☄ Fisherman's Blues: 2 CD Promo ☄

    A double CD promo of the 2006 Collector's Edition. Thank you Stefano.

  217. wbs_f.blues_2cd_promo_2006





































  218. ☄ Strange Boat Charity Single 2008 ☄

    This 2-track CD was released in 2008 with all profits going to the Strange Boat Donation Foundation which was set up by Martina and Denis Goggin following a family bereavement.

    You can read more about the Strange Boat Foundation Here.

  219. strange_boat_cd





















  220. ☄ Saints and Angels Single 2009 ☄

    This 2-track CD featuring Sharon Shannon with Mike, Anto and Steve was released in 2009. It features an edit and a remix of Saints and Angels and it was also produced by Mike Scott.

  221. saints_cd






















  222. ☄ Mastertapes: BBC Radio CD ☄

    Broadcast CD, and cue sheet, of Mike & Steve from Maida Vale BBC Studios - June 3rd 2013.

  223. fbr_2013_mastertapes








































  224. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Revisited Tour Laminate and Flyer ☄

    The Fisherman's Blues Revisted tour in 2013, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the original album release saw the return of Anto and Trevor to the fold and it was a triumph!

    An original band and crew FBR Tour Laminate and a FBR 2013 tour flyer.

  225. fb_lam_13
  226. fb_flyer_2013



























    ☄ Fisherman's Blues: The Fisherman's Box 2013 ☄

    2013 saw the release of the holy grail of songs from the Fisherman's Blues sessions. An incredible 121 songs culled from the recording sessions between 1986 and 1988. This box set was released as a luxury vinyl/CD box set and as a CD box. Mike considers this wonderful collection to be the actual album.

    Vinyl/CD Box with the CD booklet signed by the Fantastic Four shown here.

  227. fb_box
  228. fb_box2





















    ☄ The Fisherman's Box - 8 Disc Promo 2013 ☄

    A scarce eight disc promo of the Fisherman's Box. It includes all six discs from the standard release plus the Fisherman's Roots CD and also a five track Sampler disc. Each CD comes in a wraparound sleeve in a plastic wallet with 'FOR PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE' printed on the reverse of every sleeve and also printed on each disc. There is no outer box or booklet with this set.

  229. wbs_fishermans_box_8_disc_promo_1



















  230. wbs_fishermans_box_8_disc_promo_2



















  231. wbs_fishermans_box_8_disc_promo_3






















  232. The 5-track promo sampler 'Fisherman's Box' CD which can be picked up as a stand alone disc.

  233. fb_box_sampler