Irish singers pay tribute after untimely death of man who wrote hit songs

Irish singers have been leading tributes to songwriter and musician Karl Wallinger who has died at the age of 66.

Wallinger was the singular force behind band World Party and wrote hits like She's The One made famous by Robbie Williams, but also co-wrote Whole of the Moon which which was performed by Scottish band The Waterboys and Put the Message In The Box performed by Irish singing star Brian Kennedy.

Brian Kennedy said the news of Wallinger's death was "indeed sad" and he recalled once bumping into him in London.

"He wrote one of my biggest hits Put the message in the box. I bumped into him when I was jogging in Highgate woods once and I sang it that same night in Wembley Arena opening for the Corrs. Such a weird and wonderful coincidence," he said.

Mike Scott from The Waterboys, a band in which Wallinger was a member for a number of years, also paid tribute.

He said: "Just received this. Travel on well my old friend. You are one of the finest musicians I've ever known."

The media notice about his death described him as being "presciently ahead of his time" and that he leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Suzie Zamit, and a son and a daughter.

Incredibly sad news. Goodbye Jumbo was an ever-present early 90s soundtrack. pic.twitter.com/ykAgj7Y37E

— Andrew Male (@Andr6wMale) March 11, 2024