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



    ☀ Fisherman's Blues ☀


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    3. 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 for an unforgettable chat with wonderful 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, Ron Edwards, Mary Barrett, Inge Rieger and Stefano Bugnoni for contributing various items to this web page.



    ☄ The Waterboys Fan Group on Facebook ☄

    The Facebook group The Waterboys Fan Group was created in April 2020 by two genuine lifelong admirers of the band.

    This group was created for YOU the fan as a place of friendships where all of your opinions are valued.

    You will find all the latest news, Exclusive Group Giveaways, photos, videos, memorabilia 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 Fan Group - on Facebook - 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 ☄

    A brief overview on the album's creation.


    ☄ Tomás MacEoin ☄

    An interview with Tomás MacEoin.


    ☄ Acetates - Vinyl Albums ☄

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


    ☄ 7-Inch Singles ☄

    A varied selection of worldwide releases, promos and test pressings.

    Fisherman's Blues

    And A Bang On The Ear

    Tomás MacEoin & The Waterboys 7-Inch ☄


    ☄ 12-Inch Singles ☄

    A varied selection of worldwide releases, test pressings and promos.


    ☄ 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 and promos.

    ☄ Cassette Singles ☄

    A selection of original worldwide cassette singles.


    ☄ Memorabilia ☄

    A selection original Fisherman's Blues memorabilia.


    ☄ Legacy Releases ☄

    Related releases, compilations and expanded versions.


    ☄ Fisherman's Box ☄

    Luxury Edition Vinyl/CD Box and standard CD Box Set and a Promo CD set.


    ☄ Atlantic Rain & Related ☄

    Atlantic Rain formats plus Strange Boat EP and the Mojo CD.






    ☄ 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.


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    4. ☄ 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.

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    5. 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 ☄

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    6. ☄ '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'.

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    7. ☄ 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!"

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    8. ☄ Tomás MacEoin: Fisherman Memories ☄


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    9. 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 a session was 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 ☄

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

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    11. ☄ UK Gold Disc ☄

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    12. Authentic UK Gold Disc awarded by the BPI to Chrysalis Records for sales in excess of 100,000 copies of the Fisherman's Blues album in the United Kingdom.


























    ☄ 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.

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    13. ☄ 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.

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    14. ☄ 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.

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    17. ☄ 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.

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    21. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Original Vinyls ☄





    ☄ Record Shop Standee ☄


    A framed Standee, measuring 24" x 24" (62cm x 62cm). This have been originally a stand up display in a record shop.

    It is made from stiff cardboard and the photo is countersunk. How many survive today is not known, but it is surely a scarce thing.

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    22. ☄ 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.

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    23. ☄ 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.

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    24. ☄ Signed LP ☄


    The original album which was released in October 1988.

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

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    25. ☄ Fisherman's Blues 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.

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    26. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Zimbabwe Pressing ☄

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

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    29. ☄ 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 non-English songtitles on the sleeve and record labels.

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    32. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Brazil Pressing ☄

    A pressing from Brazil on the Chrysalis label.

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

    Thank you Dag.

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    35. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Swedish Test Pressing ☄

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

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    36. ☄ German Sonopress Test Pressing ☄

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    37. A Sonopress test pressing of the Fisherman's Blues album from Germany.
























    ☄ 7-Inch Singles and More ☄


    Press Advert - Thank you Javi.

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    38. ☄ Fisherman's Blues 7-Inch ☄




    ☄ UK 7-Inch Test Pressing ☄

    This is a scarce UK 7-inch Fisherman's Blues Test Pressing B/W Lost Highway. Matrix number shown. Thank you Dag.

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    39. ☄ 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.

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    41. ☄ France 7-Inch Promo ☄

    Thank you Dag.

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    42. ☄ Australia 7 - Inch Promo ☄

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

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    44. ☄ Canada 7-Inch Promo ☄

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

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    46. ☄ South Africa 7-Inch 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.

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    48. ☄ Germany 7-Inch Promo ☄

    Thank you Harry.

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

    Thank you Dag.

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    51. ☄ And A Bang On The Ear 7-Inch ☄





    ☄ Cromalin Printer Proof ☄

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    52. An extremely scarce 'And A Bang on The Ear' printer proof cromalin.

    A cromalin was a prepress colour proof taken from the artwork for the the printer to use as an exact colour reproduction reference while the labels are being professionally printed.

    Also visible in the cromalin are colour bars (Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow) to maintain each colour level and registration marks to ensure the image looks crisp and sharp.

    Usually cromalins of this nature were stored and eventually discarded by the print company.

    Very few pieces of original artwork find their way into the hands of collectors which makes this cromalin a very rare item.

    Thank you Ron Edwards.














    ☄ Ireland / UK 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.

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    54. ☄ 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.

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    56. ☄ Italy ☄

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

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    58. ☄ South Africa ☄

    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.

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    60. ☄ 7-Inch Acetate ☄

    Thank you Dag.

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    61. ☄ 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 Bó. 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.

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    65. ☄ Tomás MacEoin Single with Correct Spelling ☄

    This is the Tomás single with the correct spelling on a slightly different label. The quantity 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.

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    67. ☄ Hot Press Covers 1986 - 1989 ☄

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

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    ☄ 12-Inch Singles and More ☄




    ☄ 12-Inch Singles with Different Sleeves ☄

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

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

    Signed by the Fantastic Four. Thank you Javi.

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    71. ☄ Ireland / UK 12-Inch Single ☄

    'And A Bang on The Ear' was released as a 12-inch single, as well as the 7-inch, in a die-cut sleeve on June 19th 1989. In early July it reached number one in the Irish singles charts.

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    73. ☄ 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.

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    75. ☄ Promo 12-Inch Singles ☄

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

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    77. ☄ Australian Promo 12-Inch Single ☄

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

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    79. ☄ 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.

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    80. ☄ Another Outtake from Spiddal House Photo Shoot ☄

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

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    81. ☄ CD Albums and More ☄





    ☄ Standard Release 1988 ☄

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

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    83. ☄ 'Fisherman's Blues' 1988 ☄

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

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    85. ☄ '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.

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    87. ☄ 'Fisherman's Blues' 1999 ☄

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

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    89. ☄ 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.

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    90. ☄ 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.

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

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    92. 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.

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

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    94. ☄ 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.

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    ☄ Cassette Albums ☄





    ☄ Original Irish / UK Album Cassette ☄

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    96. ☄ UK Promo Album Cassette ☄

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

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    98. ☄ Promo 'Soapdish' USA Cassette ☄

    A promo cassette of the Fisherman's Blues album from the USA in a soapdish style case.

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    99. ☄ USA Promo Cassette ☄

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

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    100. ☄ Argentina ☄

    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.

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    102. ☄ Australia ☄

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

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    103. ☄ Germany ☄

    The German cassette has has a fold-out lyric cover with a black tape and silver text.

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    104. ☄ Greece ☄

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

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    105. ☄ Portugal ☄

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

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    106. ☄ Saudi Arabia ☄

    This is an official cassette released under license from Chrysalis on the Stallions Record label. This tape comes in a special heatproof case.

    Manufactured for the expats market, it is a rare item to see these days.

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    107. ☄ South African ☄

    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.

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    108. ☄ Taiwan ☄

    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.

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    110. ☄ USA ☄

    USA original cassette with a unique white, not gold, band logo on a foldout cover and band name in red on spine. Thank you Mary.

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    111. ☄ United Arab Emirates - Thomsun Original ☄

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

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    112. ☄ Cassette Singles ☄




    A three track promo cassette of the 7-inch and 12-inch single. Thank you Andy.

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

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    114. ☄ Australia - Cassette Single ☄

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

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    116. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Memorabilia ☄




    ☄ Fisherman's Blues Tour Laminates 1988 - 1989 ☄

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

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    ☄ Fisherman's Blues Tour 1989 - Aftershow Passes ☄

    Thank you Paul.

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    ☄ Fisherman's Blues Press Release ☄

    Press release in a gatefold cover. Thank you Harry.

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    119. ☄ Promo Record Shop Display ☄

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

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    120. ☄ The Fisherman's Blues Promo Postcard ☄

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

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    121. 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'.


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    ☄ 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.

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    123. ☄ Original Promo Photo and Tour Flyer ☄

    Promo photo for the album, taken in Tigh Hughes Pub in Spiddal and an original tour flyer.

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    ☄ 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.

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    125. ☄ Fisherman's Blues Tour Poster ☄

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

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    126. ☄ 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.

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    127. ☄ Nijmegen 1989 Tour Poster ☄

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

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    128. ☄ 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.

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

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

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    130. ☄ The Fisherman's Blues Songbook ☄

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


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    ☄ '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.

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    132. ☄ 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.


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    133. ☄ Fisherman's Blues: Legacy Releases ☄




    ☄ Fisherman's Blues Promo LP - Simply Vinyl ☄

    This Promo 'Fisherman's Blues' album housed in a plain grey sleeve was issued on 180g vinyl in 2000, on the Simply Vinyl label.

    Thank you Inge.


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    134. ☄ 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'.


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    135. ☄ 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.


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    ☄ 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.

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

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    138. ☄ The Waterboys - The Platimum Collection 2006 ☄

    The 'Platimum Collection' is a 2006 reissue of the three classic albums: This is the Sea, Fisherman's Blues, Room to Roam, which are all housed together in an outer slipcase.

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    139. ☄ 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.

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    ☄ Fisherman's Blues: 2 CD Promo ☄

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

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    141. ☄ 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.

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    142. ☄ 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.

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    143. ☄ Mastertapes: BBC Radio CD ☄

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

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    144. ☄ 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.

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    ☄ Fisherman's Box 2013 ☄




    ☄ Fisherman's Blues: The Fisherman's 6CD Box ☄

    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 standard 6CD box set. Mike considers this wonderful collection to be the actual album.

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

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    147. ☄ 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.

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

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    151. ☄ Fisherman's Box - Luxury Vinyl/CD Box Set ☄

    This the luxury vinyl/7CD box set. The extra CD is titled Fisherman's Roots and contains many songs by the original artists, that the band have covered or have been influenced by. As well as the seven CDs, the contents included within are an LP remaster on 180g vinyl, a large format 32 page booklet and three exclusive 12 x 12 prints. All are housed in a sturdy 12" x 12" box.

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    152. ☄ Atlantic Rain 2026 & Related ☄




    ☄ Atlantic Rain 3CD Box ☄

    Three CD and Book box set of Atantic Rain featuring newly discovered outtakes in late 2024/2025, from the Fisherman's Blues sessions. This one has been signed by Mike, Steve and Colin Blakey. Essential!

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    153. ☄ Atlantic Rain 3LP Box ☄

    Three LP and Book box set of Atantic Rain featuring newly discovered outtakes from the Fisherman's Blues sessions. These outtakes were only dicovered by Mike in late 2024/2025. Absolutely Essential!

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    154. ☄ Stange Boat CD E.P. ☄

    This six track Strange Boat CD EP features songs not on Atlantic Rain or the Fisherman's Box. It was only available from the Official Waterboys Store and was also available at the Fisherman's Blues Revue shows in 2026. This one has been signed by Mike, Steve and Colin Blakey.

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    155. ☄ Stange Boat 10" Vinyl E.P. ☄

    This six track Strange Boat 10-inch vinyl EP features songs not on Atlantic Rain or the Fisherman's Box. It was only available from the Official Waterboys Store and was also available at the Fisherman's Blues Revue shows in 2026.

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    156. ☄ Abandonment and Love - Mojo CD ☄

    A lovely companion piece to all of the Fisherman releases, this features brand new mixes of various songs. Sleeve has been signed by Mike, Steve and Colin Blakey. It was available in the August 2026 issue of the Mojo Music Magazine.

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