The mastermind behind 'The Whole of the Moon' discusses his four-year journey writing and recording an ambitious musical biography that chronicles Hopper's artistic triumphs, spectacular flameouts, and ultimate redemption.
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Today, the Spotlight shines On Mike Scott, founder of The Waterboys.
In 2014, Mike stumbled upon Dennis Hopper’s photography in a London gallery and fell into a rabbit hole that led to Life, Death and Dennis Hopper, a bold concept album that tells the story of the Easy Rider star from childhood to beyond the grave. It's a sonic movie with guest turns from Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, and Steve Earle that chronicles not just Hopper's journey but the cultural shifts he witnessed and helped create.
This marks a new peak in Mike's ever-changing four-decade career with The Waterboys, from their ‘Big Music’ beginnings to Celtic folk explorations and genre-blending surprises to come.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from The Waterboys’ album Life, Death and Dennis Hopper)
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[00:01:38] Introduction and Mike's immersion in Dennis Hopper's world
[00:02:18] Mike discusses his experience with spoken word and character work
[00:03:39] The genesis of Mike's fascination with Dennis Hopper
[00:05:37] Lawrence's observations about the album's musical vitality
[00:07:05] Mike explains how his interest in Dennis developed into songs
[00:09:56] Discussion of musical influences and album structure
[00:10:44] Mike's approach to musical freedom and stylistic diversity
[00:14:17] Parallels between Mike's career and Dennis Hopper's life
[00:18:55] Collaboration with guest vocalists including Springsteen and Fiona Apple
[00:24:40] Perspectives on counterculture and societal evolution
[00:29:50] Dennis Hopper's artistic resilience and comeback
[00:34:14] Mike's upcoming projects and unreleased material
[00:35:44] Thoughts on album formats and vinyl listening experience
[00:36:45] What Mike is currently listening to
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Visit Mike Scott and The Waterboys at https://www.mikescottwaterboys.com
Purchase The Waterboys’ Life, Death and Dennis Hopper from Sun Records → https://store.sunrecords.com/products/the-waterboys-life-death-dennis-hopper-cd
or Qobuz → https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/life-death-and-dennis-hopper-the-waterboys/oehbha7rngoxc
and listen on your streaming platform of choice → https://sunrecords.lnk.to/LifeDeathDennisHopper
Follow The Waterboys on Patreon → https://patreon.com/waterboys
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/waterboysmusic
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Waterboys-Official/104142622987359
and YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/user/Buff00
For extensive show notes, links, and podcast information, go to https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com
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