Review – Echo and the Bunnymen

Bristol O2 Academy, Sunday 20th February 2022

Echo and the Bunnymen have certainly built up a bit of a reputation over the years of being both a brooding moody band and tonight was no different.


Going on 30 minutes late to a packed out house might have been acceptable and maybe even cool back in the 80’s, but for a professional touring band on a Sunday evening it just was not up to par and the crowd thought the same with a round of booing before they came on stage.


When they are performing, however, the familiar post punk cathartic tunes spanning decades ring around the cavernous O2 Academy. Musically the band are tight, perhaps helped by the fact that the backline is made up of seasoned hired guns whilst the “Crowd Pleasers” of vocals and lead guitar are the original members Ian McCulloch and Will Sergeant respectively. 


Although initially frosty, the crowd was quickly behind the band and singing along to not only the smash hits but the softer B-Sides as well. Interestingly, the crowd was a mix of old die-hards and a younger generation doubtless spurred on by the curiosity of seeing the forerunners of the new wave of Post Punk revival bands that are dominating the charts. 


Overall despite a rough start to the night Echo and the Bunnymen gave the fans young and old exactly what they wanted, which was a darkly lit, well produced set full of greatest hits.  


📝 @cam.mulberry 📸 @thebristolnomad 

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@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer

Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.

Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring

First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.

First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!

Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK

About Adie White 0 Articles
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig. Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996. First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana! Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK