University of Sussex Students' Newspaper

Echo and the Bunnymen take Brighton: Gig Review

Harry Turnbull

ByHarry Turnbull

Jul 4, 2024

On 3 March, Merseyside rock band Echo and the Bunnymen embarked on a best hits tour of the ages, and visited Brighton’s very own Dome to dazzle and delight fans.

With a mix of well known classics and lesser known b side hits, Echo and the Bunnymen proved that age is purely just a number, and after all these years their stage presence has yet to fade. This was largely due to frontman Ian McCulloch, whose witty banter kept fans entertained between tracks, and raspy voice paired with psychedelic and glamorous instrumentals synonymous with their style transported fans back to their teen years and had them dancing once again.

Visually it was also a stunning spectacle, with the lights creating an eerie ambiance to accompany every track, and the famous ‘Killing Moon’ super moon set caught the eye of all who watched.

Echo and the Bunnymen formed in Liverpool in 1978, and were one of the pioneers of the early 80s glam and New Romantic movement, combining electric and distorted guitars made famous by blues and classic rock in the 60s and 70s, with a more progressive synth style that you could hear with the likes of Duran Duran and Japan. However, it was their style that really solidified their place as visionary artists of the era.

This gig was a refreshing watch. Without a single dwindle in quality and a largely very good set list, they are definitely ones to see if you fancy a trip back in time.

Image taken from the Echo & The Bunnymen Fifth Vinyl Cover

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