ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN // USHER HALL, EDINBURGH
Echo & The Bunnymen Live: A Timeless Journey through Post-Punk Bliss
★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN AT USHER HALL EDINBURGH
PHOTOCREDIT: STUART STOTT
In the realm of post-punk music, few bands have managed to captivate audiences for as long as Echo & The Bunnymen. On a crisp and electrifying evening, I had the distinct pleasure of attending their concert, an experience that transcended time and space. With Ian McCulloch's distinctive baritone vocals, Will Sergeant's iconic guitar melodies, and a stellar backing band which included The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the stage was set for an unforgettable musical journey. Echo & The Bunnymen proved that, even decades into their career, their live performances are nothing short of mesmerising.
The concert took place in the sumptuous & elegant Usher Hall, a perfect backdrop for a band with such a rich musical history. As the lights dimmed and the crowd's anticipation reached a crescendo, there was an undeniable sense of excitement in the air. Echo & The Bunnymen fans, ranging from those who discovered them in the '80s to newer generations, filled the venue, forming a diverse and enthusiastic audience.
One of the highlights of the evening was the band's thoughtfully curated setlist. It was a perfect blend of classic hits and lesser-known gems from their extensive catalog and playing the whole of Ocean Rain alongside an orchestra was a genius move. Opening with “Going Up," the band wasted no time in transporting the audience back in time. Songs like “All That Jazz," “Rescue," “Bedbugs And Ballyhoo,” “Nothing Lasts For Ever ”and “Bring On The Dancing Horses" had the crowd singing along with every word. These timeless tracks were not mere nostalgic relics but living, breathing anthems that resonated with both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Ian McCulloch's distinctive voice, often likened to a velvety thunderstorm, was as powerful and emotive as ever. It's a voice that has aged like fine wine, gaining depth and gravitas over the years. When he sang, the audience hung on to every word, feeling the raw emotion in his delivery. McCulloch's stage presence was enigmatic, and his banter between songs provided a glimpse into his wry sense of humour and love for the music.
Will Sergeant's guitar work was nothing short of superb throughout the show. His signature jangly, atmospheric guitar tones created an otherworldly ambiance throughout the concert. During extended instrumental sections, Sergeant's virtuosity shone, leaving the audience in awe. His ability to blend intricate melodies with sonic experimentation was a testament to his status as a post-punk guitar legend.
Beyond McCulloch and Sergeant, the entire band displayed remarkable chemistry but names will remain a mystery as they were blanketed by an overactive fog machine and some seriously blinding lighting in fact only Will Sergeant had some white light on him and Ian was mostly doing a good impersonation of the Hulk as he was bathed in a lurid green light for most of the gig..(as a photographer I really do find these lighting set ups very strange, In my opinion the paying punters come to see the band as well as hear them)…The band's tight-knit dynamics were evident as they seamlessly transitioned between songs, creating a continuous sonic journey that held the audience's attention.
Echo & The Bunnymen didn't just perform for the audience; they engaged with them. McCulloch frequently interacted with fans in the front rows, exchanging smiles and acknowledging their enthusiasm. This personal connection between the band and their audience elevated the concert to an intimate and memorable level.
As the main set came to a close, the crowd's thunderous applause demanded an encore. Echo & The Bunnymen returned to the stage with renewed energy, delivering a few final sonic punches. The performance of “Lips like Sugar" and “The Cutter" served as a powerful closer, leaving the audience in a state of euphoria.
In a world where musical trends come and go, Echo & The Bunnymen stand as a timeless testament to the enduring power of post-punk music. Their live concert was a masterclass in how to captivate an audience with a blend of nostalgia and innovation. With unforgettable vocals & fantastic guitar work, Echo & The Bunnymen proved that their music continues to resonate across generations. This concert was not just a trip down memory lane; it was a reminder that great music transcends time, and Echo & The Bunnymen are still very much at the forefront of that greatness.