World Party founder and musician dies at age 66

Carl Wallinger, the Welsh musician who played with British folk band The Waterboys in the 1980s and later founded the solo music venture World Party, has died, Variety and Billboard report.

He was 66 years old.

His death was also announced on the World Party's Facebook page on Monday. “Karl Wallinger, the Welsh-born musician and composer known as the singular force behind the World Party, passed away on Sunday 10th March,” the post read.

“In addition to the magic of 'She's The One' and The Waterboys' 'Whole,' we were ahead of the curve with songs like 'Ship Of Fools,' 'Put The Message In The Box,' and 'Is It Like Today?' Wallinger, who starred in “The Moon,'' was 66 years old.'' “Karl leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Susie Zammit, his son Louis Wallinger, his daughter Nancy Zammit, and two grandchildren.”

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

According to the Waterboys' website, Wallinger played keyboards for the band from 1983 to 1985. His World Party song “She's the One” (song 5 on his fourth studio album, Egyptology) was covered by pop singer Robbie Williams and became a radio hit.

“She's The One” is part of the 2021 Netflix film “A Castle for Christmas,” the 2009 comedy “My Last Five Girlfriends” starring Naomie Harris, and the 1999 David Spade romantic comedy “Lost & Found.” It has appeared in movies such as. ” According to IMDB. Wallinger's songs have also appeared on the soundtracks of “Clueless,'' 1998's “Armageddon,'' and “The Parent Trap.''