Waterfront (song)


"Waterfront" is a 1983 single from Simple Minds, the first release from the album Sparkle in the Rain. It features a bass line consisting of a single note throughout. The version as released on 7" vinyl single differs from versions available on CD. The original single did not feature the repetitive bass-line that leads into the main body of the song, but had a "one, two....one, two, three, four.." drumstick count-in by drummer Mel Gaynor.
Featuring a new, rockier sound, "Waterfront" scaled the charts in various countries around the world, including topping the New Zealand Singles Chart for two weeks during February 1984. It also reached number 13 on the UK Singles Charts, number 16 in Sweden, number 19 in Australia, and number five in Ireland. Today, it is a live favorite and is regarded as one of the band's signatures songs.

Track listing

7" single
  1. "Waterfront" – 4:40
  2. "Hunter & The Hunted" – 6:00
12" single
  1. "Waterfront" – 5:50
  2. "Hunter & The Hunted" – 6:00

    Personnel

In popular culture

An instrumental version of the track was used as the theme music for the 1989 Glasgow-set BBC One drama serial The Justice Game. It has been used for many years as the song Sheffield Wednesday football club come out to before home matches. The version originally played was a live version, but has since been changed to the studio recording.