The Echo and the Bunnymen concert in their hometown of Liverpool is always a momentous occasion, made even more special by their decision to perform on two consecutive nights at the iconic Empire Theatre. This historic venue has hosted performances by legendary acts such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen, Elton John, Aerosmith, AC/DC, and David Bowie, among others.
The opening act featured Erica Nockalls and her solo project. Erica, known for her work with The Wonder Stuff band, where she enriches the music with a violin flavour.
The concert began just after 9 pm with the mesmerizing track ‘Going Up’. The stage was bathed in dim lighting and enveloped in a haze of smoke, creating an ethereal atmosphere. While Ian McCulloch was barely visible for the moment, Will Sergeant stood prominently on the left side of the stage, illuminated by a softer light.
Following the conclusion of the first song, a brief ‘Hello, Liverpool’ was heard before the band transitioned seamlessly into ‘All That Jazz’. As the night progressed, the audience gradually rose to their feet, with fans of all ages joining in the dancing and singing, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
The initial segment of the concert ‘Bunnies’ ended with ‘Dancing horses’.
After a short intermission in line with traditional theatre etiquette, the frontman jovially inquired, ‘Did you all have a bevvy?’ before launching into the second part with the dynamic track ‘Show of Strength’. The setlist continued with evocative tunes like ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’, ‘Lips Like Sugar’, and the crowd-pleasing ‘The Killing Moon’.
McCulloch and Sergeant returned for two encores, which were enthusiastically received by the devoted fans in attendance. The haunting vocals of Ian McCulloch soared through the venue during performances of ‘The Cutter’ and ‘Ocean Rain’, while the band’s impeccable musicianship kept the audience on their feet through the night.
The band’s iconic sound and commanding stage presence evoked a sense of nostalgia and excitement among concert-goers. The evening was a resounding success, filled with exceptional music, palpable Scouse energy, and a profound sense of nostalgia that underscored the lasting appeal of this legendary band.
ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN
ERICA NOCKALLS
Photos + Review by Tom Adam | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!