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Echo & the Bunnymen

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Echo & the Bunnymen
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1978 in Liverpool, England
FounderIan McCulloch, Will Sergeant, Les Pattinson
Headquarters
Liverpool
,
England
ProductsMusic albums, singles, live performances

Echo & the Bunnymen is a rock group originating from Liverpool, England, established in 1978. The founding members were vocalist Ian McCulloch, guitarist Will Sergeant, and bassist Les Pattinson. Drummer Pete de Freitas joined the ensemble by 1980.

Their first album, Crocodiles, released in 1980, entered the UK Albums Chart within the top 20. The band achieved wider recognition in the UK with their second album Heaven Up Here (1981), and gained significant mainstream success in 1983 through the Top 10 UK single "The Cutter" and its accompanying album Porcupine, which peaked at number two. Their 1984 release Ocean Rain maintained their chart presence and included the hit single "The Killing Moon", which also reached the top 10.

Following the release of their self-titled album in 1987, McCulloch departed and was succeeded by vocalist Noel Burke. In 1989, tragedy struck when de Freitas died in a motorcycle accident. Subsequently, McCulloch and Sergeant formed Electrafixion before reuniting Echo & the Bunnymen with Pattinson in 1997; however, Pattinson exited the band in 1998. Since then, the group has continued touring and producing albums with varying degrees of commercial impact. Recently, they have headlined the Rockaway Beach Festival on two occasions.

Early years

Ian McCulloch's musical journey began in 1977 as a member of the Crucial Three alongside Julian Cope and Pete Wylie. After Wylie's departure, McCulloch and Cope created A Shallow Madness, composing tracks including "Read It in Books" and "Spacehopper". When McCulloch left that project, A Shallow Madness evolved into the Teardrop Explodes, while he teamed up with guitarist Will Sergeant and bassist Les Pattinson to establish Echo & the Bunnymen. Initially, the band employed a drum machine mistakenly believed by some to be named "Echo," a notion the band refuted. Will Sergeant later remarked that although the name Echo & the Bunnymen seemed somewhat absurd at first, it ultimately endured.

In November 1978, Echo & the Bunnymen made their live debut at Liverpool’s Eric's Club as an opening act for the Teardrop Explodes, delivering a twenty-minute rendition of "Monkeys," then titled "I Bagsy Yours."

Their first single, "The Pictures on My Wall," was released in May 1979 through Zoo Records, operated by Bill Drummond and David Balfe. The B-side featured "Read It in Books." Although songwriting credits listed McCulloch and Cope, McCulloch contested Cope’s involvement in its composition.

As their reputation expanded, Echo & the Bunnymen recorded six live sessions for BBC’s John Peel Show between 1979 and 1983, initially still utilizing a drum machine.

By the time their debut album Crocodiles was launched in 1980, Trinidad-born Pete de Freitas had replaced the drum machine. Coming from a privileged background, de Freitas brought a personable energy to the band. He joined after witnessing their performance at Eric's in September 1979; however, his first live appearance supporting Madness and Bad Manners was met with hostility after only two songs.

The lead single "Rescue," produced by Ian Broudie, reached number 62 on UK charts. Meanwhile, Crocodiles, co-produced by manager Bill Drummond and David Balfe, climbed to number 17 on the charts and garnered critical praise.

The album’s cover art was crafted by Martyn Atkins with photography by Brian Griffin and depicted a moody woodland scene instead of a conventional band portrait. This nature-inspired visual theme persisted through their next three albums—Heaven Up Here, Porcupine, and Ocean Rain—each featuring natural landscapes before transitioning to a traditional group photograph on their fifth release.

Shine So Hard

From September through December 1980, the group embarked on their inaugural major concert tour to support Crocodiles, with London-based band the Sound as their opening act. This tour marked their debut performances across Europe, including stops in France, The Netherlands, and Germany. After completing the tour, the band paused for four months to focus on writing and recording their second album.

Their manager Bill Drummond (who would later become known for his work with KLF) and lighting designer Bill Butt organized a special promotional concert to conclude the Camo tour. This event was intended to be professionally filmed and recorded, initially planned as material for the band's first music video. Drummond and Butt aimed to capture Echo & the Bunnymen at a pivotal moment in their career through a live performance recording. Due to restrictions imposed by British film unions, Butt took on production duties while emerging filmmaker John Smith, recommended by Patrick Duval, directed the project.

Smith and Duval spent an entire week alongside the band in Buxton before the event, granted full artistic freedom. They developed an impressionistic opening sequence that showcased the individual band members and their preparations, employing unconventional camera angles and visual techniques.

The concert was held on 17 January 1981 within the Victorian glass pavilion of Buxton Pavilion Gardens, Derbyshire, attended by an audience invited specifically for the occasion. Advertisements placed in music publications offered 500 complimentary tickets to fans who responded, directing them to a secret venue dubbed "Gomorrah." For £5, coaches transported attendees from major cities.

Despite difficulties caused by winter weather impacting rehearsals and travel arrangements, the performance began approximately 30 minutes behind schedule. Filming was conducted by Smith, Duval, and cameraman Mike Tomlinson, while multitrack audio was captured by Peter Woods using the Manor Mobile studio equipment. The resulting footage highlighted the band's energetic live presence alongside Bill Butt’s impressive stage design. The setlist primarily featured songs from Crocodiles along with previews of tracks from their forthcoming album.

The final 33-minute film, titled Shine So Hard: An Atlas Adventure, combined the opening montage with four vibrant live tracks. It saw a limited release in UK cinemas but reportedly failed to meet Warner executives' expectations due to its experimental style and delayed appearance of the band on screen. The four songs were issued as the "Shine So Hard" EP, which reached number 37 on the UK singles chart—marking Echo & the Bunnymen's first British hit single. In 1982, a limited run of 500 VHS tapes was distributed exclusively to concert attendees via vouchers; these copies later surfaced on secondary markets.

Heaven Up Here

Starting in April 1981, Echo & the Bunnymen undertook an extensive tour promoting their upcoming album, including their first North American performances in cities such as New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles. Following additional concerts across the UK and Europe mid-year, they returned to North America for further shows in October and made a singular visit to Australia in November. A Sydney concert from this leg was recorded; four tracks from that performance were later included as bonus content on the 2003 CD reissue of the album.

Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales during March and released in May 1981, Heaven Up Here was co-produced by the band alongside Hugh Jones. The sessions were described as positive experiences and resulted in increased critical acclaim and commercial success, with the album reaching No. 10 on the UK charts. Its only single, "A Promise", peaked at No. 49. The album cover photo—taken on a beach at Porthcawl in South Wales—continued the elemental imagery established by Crocodiles, depicting the band silhouetted against stormy skies with seagulls overhead. Although initially met with resistance from management, this visual concept was ultimately approved.

Porcupine and Achieving Mainstream Recognition

Following a hiatus during the winter, the group resumed live performances with three concerts across the UK in April 1982. By June, they achieved their inaugural UK Top 20 single, "The Back of Love", which climbed to number 19. July featured their participation in various festivals throughout Britain and Europe, notably including the first-ever WOMAD festival, where they collaborated with the Drummers of Burundi. Their sole American appearance that year took place in August at New York's Peppermint Lounge, and their touring activities concluded with four UK shows in December.

The majority of 1982 was devoted to producing their third studio album, Porcupine. Reuniting with producer Ian Broudie, who had worked on Crocodiles, the recording sessions were extended and fraught with internal conflicts. During this period, members engaged in side ventures: Pete de Freitas took on production duties for Liverpool's the Wild Swans debut single, while guitarist Will Sergeant released an instrumental solo project titled Themes for 'Grind' .

Warner Bros initially dismissed the original version of Porcupine as insufficiently commercial, leading to a complete re-recording despite objections from Sergeant. Manager Bill Drummond brought in Indian violinist Shankar to contribute string arrangements. Tensions within the band escalated considerably during this time, with bassist Les Pattinson expressing weariness with the music industry and communication among members deteriorating. Nonetheless, the revamped album marked their breakthrough on the UK charts.

Early in 1983, the single "The Cutter" reached number 8, becoming their first Top 10 hit, while the album Porcupine attained a peak position of number 2 on the album chart. Having established themselves as a chart presence, they followed up with additional singles such as the dance-influenced one-off "Never Stop" (which reached number 15) and "The Killing Moon", securing their second UK Top 10 entry at number 9.

Ocean Rain

In 1984, the band embarked on a rigorous tour itinerary beginning with Japan in January, continuing with a U.S. tour in March, and proceeding through Europe and the UK until May. A second American tour leg took place between August and September, culminating at Los Angeles' Greek Theater on September 9. Subsequently, they undertook a two-month tour across the UK that concluded at London's Brixton Academy on October 24.

Their album from that year, Ocean Rain, achieved a UK chart position of number 4 and is widely regarded as their definitive work. Singles such as "Silver" (which reached number 30 in the UK) and "Seven Seas" (peaking at number 16) maintained its commercial success. Additionally, McCulloch experienced modest solo success with his cover of "September Song".

Following Ocean Rain, manager Bill Drummond announced a planned year-long break dedicated to songwriting; however, he was replaced by Mick Hancock—previously tour manager for Duran Duran—due to concerns over financial management.

In April 1985, the band toured Scandinavia, integrating cover songs into their setlists alongside original material; recordings from these shows were later released as the semi-bootleg On Strike. That year also saw them headline the Glastonbury Festival, where they premiered new compositions destined for their upcoming album.

Fifth Album and Pete de Freitas’ Departure

Following the release of Ocean Rain, the band's 1985 output was limited to the single "Bring on the Dancing Horses" (which reached No. 21 in the UK charts) and the compilation album Songs to Learn & Sing (peaking at No. 6 in the UK).

The years 1985 and 1986 represented a pivotal moment in the band's trajectory. Drummer Pete de Freitas relocated to the United States with a group known as The Sex Gods but encountered significant struggles with mental health and substance abuse. After an incident on New Year's Eve in New Orleans, he decided to leave Echo & The Bunnymen.

To fulfill touring commitments, the band enlisted Blair Cunningham, formerly of Haircut One Hundred, as their drummer. Cunningham departed following the spring 1986 American tour and was replaced by David Palmer, who had previously played with ABC. Initial studio sessions with producers Ian Broudie and Clive Langer were ultimately discarded due to dissatisfaction with the results.

Subsequently, they collaborated with producer Laurie Latham, selected for his prior work on the Stranglers' track "Skin Deep". From these sessions, three songs were included on their forthcoming album, notably "Jimmy Brown," which was retitled "Bring on the Dancing Horses," their only single release in 1986.

Further recording began under producer Gil Norton, but Palmer exited in July. De Freitas returned as a session musician amid concerns regarding his reliability and health. The updated lineup performed new compositions such as "The Game" and "Lips Like Sugar" live on BBC television in September.

Under pressure from their record label to produce more commercially viable material, Warner executive Rob Dickens encouraged them to emulate Peter Gabriel's album So. Their fifth studio effort, self-titled Echo & the Bunnymen (1987), initially recorded with Palmer and largely re-recorded following de Freitas's return, peaked at No. 4 on UK charts and represented their only substantial commercial breakthrough in the U.S. It was also the final album featuring all original members.

The album's production process was protracted and challenging. Early sessions at German producer Conny Plank's studio in Cologne were abandoned. Subsequent re-recordings with Laurie Latham in Brussels were intense and complicated by McCulloch's escalating alcohol consumption and celebrity status.

In America, their best-known songs included "The Killing Moon" and "Lips Like Sugar". The track "Bring on the Dancing Horses" appeared on the Pretty in Pink soundtrack, while their cover of the Doors' "People Are Strange" featured on The Lost Boys soundtrack, which also included original Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek contributing keyboards to a re-recorded version of "Bedbugs and Ballyhoo". Additionally, "Never Stop" was used in History Boys.

Despite achieving commercial success, critical response was mixed, with some criticism aimed at the album’s mixing and production quality.

Departure of McCulloch, death of de Freitas, sixth album, and disbandment

In August and September 1987, Echo & The Bunnymen co-headlined a U.S. tour alongside New Order, followed by a tour across the UK. Although their live performances were well-received, their March 1988 single—a cover of The Doors' "People Are Strange"—was met with harsh reviews; for example, Melody Maker described it as "a rancid effort."

The original incarnation of the band dissolved in March 1988 after completing a tour in Japan when McCulloch announced their split. He returned to the UK due to his father's heart attacks but arrived after his father had passed away. By September that year, McCulloch had officially departed while Sergeant, Pattinson, and de Freitas intended to continue. McCulloch began work on his solo project Candleland.

After unsuccessful attempts to collaborate with Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson of The B-52s, the remaining members searched for a new frontman. Former Bourgie Bourgie vocalist Paul Quinn and ex-Colenso Parade singer Oscar Askin auditioned but declined offers. Keyboardist Jake Brockman was promoted to full membership. Eventually, they recruited Noel Burke from the now-defunct St Vitus Dance as lead singer, assuring him they sought a vocal style distinct from McCulloch's.

However, these plans were interrupted when drummer Pete de Freitas died in a motorcycle accident on 14 June 1989 while traveling to rehearse with Burke. De Freitas was 27 years old and survived by his wife and infant daughter.

Damon Reece took over drumming duties after de Freitas's death. The five-piece recorded the psychedelic-influenced album Reverberation (1990) with former Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick. The record failed commercially and did not resonate with critics or fans alike, resulting in Warner Bros. terminating their contract.

In a 2003 interview, McCulloch expressed strong disapproval regarding Burke’s time as lead singer:

I think it's pretty obvious what I think. Noel Burke... the name says it all really doesn't it? No, that's not fair. It wasn't his fault, it was Will and Pete who were the berks really. But no, I thought it was disgraceful and after that I suppose it was quite surprising that I continued working with Will after that. I'm glad I did though. Johnny Marr called them Echo and the Bogusmen when that happened.

Meanwhile, McCulloch released his solo debut Candleland in September 1989 shortly after de Freitas' death, followed by Mysterio in 1992.

Following two additional independent singles that failed commercially, Echo & The Bunnymen ultimately disbanded in 1993.

Reformation

In 1994, McCulloch and Sergeant came together again under the name Electrafixion; by 1997, Pattinson had rejoined, reuniting the original trio. They resurrected the Echo & the Bunnymen identity and released Evergreen in 1997, which achieved a position within the UK Top 10.

Prior to producing their subsequent album, What Are You Going to Do with Your Life? (1999), Pattinson departed to attend to his mother. McCulloch and Sergeant proceeded with touring and recording activities, issuing albums such as Flowers (2001), Siberia (2005), The Fountain (2009), and Meteorites (2014). The lineup for Siberia consisted of McCulloch, Sergeant, Paul Fleming on keyboards, Simon Finley on drums, and Pete Wilkinson on bass, with production by Hugh Jones. From 2009 onward, live performances featured McCulloch, Sergeant, Stephen Brannan on bass, Gordy Goudie on guitar, Nicholas Kilroe on drums, and Jez Wing on keyboards.

In 2002, Echo & the Bunnymen were honored with the Q Inspiration award in recognition of their influence on emerging artists and their promotion of the Mersey music scene. McCulloch regarded this accolade as confirmation of their lasting significance in the musical landscape.

On 11 September 2006, they issued an updated greatest hits collection titled More Songs to Learn and Sing, available either as a 17-track CD or as a 20-track CD accompanied by a DVD containing eight videos spanning their career.

By March 2007, Echo & the Bunnymen had renewed their contract with Warner and commenced work on a new studio album. Additionally, in May 2007 they released a live DVD called Dancing Horses through Snapper/SPV. The touring ensemble for this release included McCulloch, Sergeant, Simon Finley, Paul Fleming, Gordy Goudie, and Steve Brannan.

On 11 January 2008, during an appearance on BBC Breakfast, McCulloch announced plans for a forthcoming album timed to coincide with their September performance at the Royal Albert Hall, describing it as "the best one we've made, apart from Ocean Rain."

The album's title was disclosed by McCulloch on 20 April 2008 as The Fountain, produced by John McLaughlin alongside Simon Perry. Though initially expected to be released in 2008, its launch was postponed until 12 October 2009. The lead single "Think I Need It Too" preceded the album's release on 28 September 2009.

Jake Brockman, a former keyboardist who contributed during the band's 1980s period, passed away in September 2009.

In December 2010, Echo & the Bunnymen embarked on a tour performing their first two albums—Crocodiles and Heaven Up Here—in their entirety.

Their most recent studio album featuring new material, Meteorites, was released in May 2014 in the UK and followed by a June release in the US through 429 Records via pledgemusic.com. Produced and mixed by Youth—who also co-wrote three tracks and played bass—this album marked their first entry into the UK Top 40 since 1999.

In 2018, they released The Stars, the Oceans & the Moon, a collection comprising orchestral reinterpretations of classic songs alongside two newly written tracks; critical responses were varied.

In September 2023, Echo & the Bunnymen conducted a four-date UK tour presenting Ocean Rain performed in full with orchestral accompaniment.

Current

  • Will Sergeant – lead guitar, programming (1978–1993, 1996–present)
  • Ian McCulloch – vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards (1978–1988, 1996–present)

Former

Touring Musicians

  • Stephen Brannan – bass guitar (2005–present)
  • Simon Finley – drums (2005–present)
  • Pete Reilly – guitar (2016–present)
  • Mike Smith – keyboards (2022–present)

Former Touring Musicians

  • Michael Lee – drums (1996–2001; deceased 2008)
  • Jeremy Stacey – drums (1999–2001), contributed to What Are You Going To Do... album and tour
  • Joe Mckechnie – drums (UK Tour December 1999 & Millennium Gig, Liverpool, 31 December 1999)
  • Vinny Jamieson – drums (2001–2003), participated in Flowers album and tour
  • Simon Finley – drums (2003–2005)
  • Nicholas Kilroe – drums (2007–2017)
  • Guy Pratt – bass guitar (1998–2000), involved in What Are You Going To Do... album and tour
  • Alex Germains – bass guitar (2000–2003)
  • Pete Wilkinson – bass guitar (2003–2005)
  • Paul Fleming – keyboards (2003–2009)
  • Ged Malley – rhythm guitar (2003)
  • Gordy Goudie – rhythm guitar (2004–2017), contributed to The Fountain album and tour
  • Kelley Stoltz – guitars (2016–2017)
  • Pete Reilly – rhythm guitar (2018)
  • Alan Watts – rhythm guitar (2019–2020)
  • Gillian Grant – violin (2018)
  • Kirsty Main – violin (2018)
  • Annemarie McGahon – viola (2018)
  • Heather Lynn – cello (2018)

Discography

General and Cited References

  • Adams, Chris. Turquoise Days: The Weird World of Echo and the Bunnymen. New York: Soft Skull Press, 2002. ISBN 1-887128-89-1.
  • Fletcher, Tony. Never Stop: The Echo & the Bunnymen Story. London: Omnibus Press, 1987. ISBN 0-7119-1121-5.
  • Reynolds, Simon. Rip It Up and Start Again: Postpunk 1978–1984. London: Penguin, 2005.

External Links

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