New Single by GRICE dedicated to Karl Wallinger.
KARL (World mix) is dedicated to the late, great and sublimely wistful Karl Wallinger (World Party, The Waterboys) who sadly packed up and flew off from the planet this year (March 12th, 2024).
Written by GRICE whilst enduring Hurricane 'Karl’ and in residence at Swanston House in deepest darkest Devon.
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'The year 1998 found me buried deep in the deepest darkest heart of the Devon (shire) in Swanston House. This was the year that storm ‘Karl’ swept in from the Atlantic and across the moors and knocked on the doors and windows of the nation.
I remember capturing the raging storm, recording its howls and whistles and the torrential rainfall which all feature on the track .
The song was born that night and then shelved until now.
It is also dedicated to the all inspiring enigma that is Karl Wallinger.
26 years on and the terrible news that Karl had passed away only aged 66 years.
I had met the man and seen him play a few times, most notably at Glastonbury festival in the late 90’s? When he honoured us and the acoustic stage with his World Party presence..
Ever the consummate professional, though he was being electrocuted every time he stepped up to the mic (yes it was a wet year) and power was lost, he continued the gig un-plugged… and it was great and wonderful in equal measures. I talked briefly to him after the show…but I remember no words (being under many influences at the time).

Karl Wallinger has been and is a true inspiration to me, not only for his wonderful poetry, song writing excellence and skill but also for his ability to write, produce and record the songs and release the albums himself…(enlisting the help of some awesome musicians) - he was the band, when the band were not available (playing all the instruments when needed).

There will * ‘follow days of kings, Empires and revolutions’ *
But as you say Karl… * ’Blood just looks the same When you open the veins’*
Where ever you may be... out measuring the stars…*
I will always cherish your music.

This one is for you Karl.' Gx

(*Courtesy of Karl Wallinger- ‘is it like today’ a song that we busked… until our fingers bled ' (🙏)