World Party is an alternative rock band which formed in Prestatyn, Wales in 1985. Its only consistent member is former Waterboys keyboardist Karl Wallinger. They are best known for their 1985 international hit single "Ship of Fools", one of the first alternative rock songs to hit the Top 40 in the United States. Wallinger was a key member of The Waterboys during their 'Big Music' period, which covered their first three albums: The Waterboys, A Pagan Place, and This Is The Sea.