Karl Wallinger, the Welsh-born musician, composer and frontman of World Party, has died at the age of 66.

His death was confirmed in a statement from his publicist, who said Wallinger was “presciently ahead of his time”. According to the statement, Wallinger died on Sunday; no cause of death was given.

A gifted songwriter, he penned songs such as World Party’s Ship of Fools, Put the Message in the Box, Is it Like Today? and She’s the One, which was covered by Robbie Williams in 1999.

Born Karl Edmond de Vere Wallinger in Prestatyn, Wales in 1957, he began his musical career as a keyboard player with various bands, before a job in music publishing and a brief stint as the musical director of The Rocky Horror Show.

In 1983, Wallinger joined the Waterboys and played on their first three albums as a multi-instrumentalist, including on the folk-rock band’s biggest hit, The Whole of the Moon.

Best known for his work as World Party, which he formed in 1986 after leaving the Waterboys, Wallinger also worked on Sinéad O’Connor’s 1987 debut album, The Lion and the Cobra.

His first album release under the World Party name, Private Revolution, was released in 1987 and contained hits such as Ship of Fools, which peaked at No 27 in the US charts.

Wallinger suffered a brain aneurysm in February 2001 that led to him having to suspend work for five years, before going back to touring in 2006.

The Waterboys lead singer, Mike Scott, paid tribute to Wallinger on Monday in a social media post on X, calling him “one of the finest musicians I’ve ever known”. He added: “Travel on well my old friend.”

In the statement shared by his publicist, Wallinger’s family invited his friends and fans to share their thoughts on his Facebook page or Instagram.

Karl is survived by his wife, Suzie Zamit, his son, Louis Wallinger, his daughter, Nancy Zamit, and two grandchildren.

• This article was updated on 12 March 2024: Ship of Fools charted at No 27 in the US, not the UK.