It must be tough to be in the situation where you know your fans appreciate your new music, but really want to hear, for the most part, your old stuff.

But somehow, tonight, The Waterboys pulled it off.

The six piece – fronted by Mike Scott – has 13 studio albums under their belt. And during tonight’s concert at Turner Hall, the group played 16 songs, seven of which were from their most recent album, released earlier this month, called "Modern Blues."

The crowd was respectful, but not as energetic during the new songs as the old favorites, which is often the case with live performances by bands with a longtime – and nostalgic – group of followers. (The reviewer included.)

"Modern Blues" was recorded in Nashville, Tenn. and is the follow-up to 2011’s "An Appointment With Mr. Yeats." Although the Waterboys are known as a Celtic-rock / folk band, with this record, Scott produced an album with an American blues feel to it. 

Tonight, the group also delivered a variety of fan favorites like "We Will Not be Lovers," "Glastonbury Song," "The Whole Of The Moon," and encores, "Fisherman’s Blues" and a cover of Prince's "Purple Rain."

Despite more than three decades of performing, Scott was engaged as a performer, and yet seemed more mellow than usual. He was in Milwaukee in 2013 and before that in 2004 as well as in Chicago, opening for U2, in the mid-80s.

On the up side, Scott seemed more interested in connecting with his five bandmates than standing out from the group as in earlier performances. 

Scott started the band in 1983, and the rest of the group has been a revolving door of talented musicians – primarily from Scotland, England and Ireland. More than 60 different musicians have been in the band at one point or another.

Scott, who often brings literary references and spirituality into his lyrics, has described his music as "a metaphor for seeing God's signature in the world."

Tonight, the fans were clearly moved by the performance – shouting out, dancing and singing along to the tunes. But, even though it was clear that Scott was in the moment, he said very little to the audience. 

He did, however, dress up for the show with a black shirt and jacket, a brimmed hat and sparkly-studded pants.

"We’re here first because we love playing, second because we love you, and third because we have a new record," Scott said.