All of the shows on setlist show doors at 7 and the band goes on around 9ish. Local venue says doors at 7 and show at 8, with no opening act listed. Have they been going on 2+ hours after doors with no opening act? Don’t want to miss anything but don’t need an extra hour on my feet at this age.
Sitting in some premium seats after an algorithm recommended upgrade waiting for Ian, Will and crew to come on stage. The crowd here is very hyped, well dressed, and definite Echo fans. Come hell or high water. I’m going to enjoy this show and I’m sporting my new crocodiles for the occasion!!
So just to reassure people considering attending shows on this tour, Ian didn't seem drunk on-stage. Previous reviews had me a little worried, especially as there were other shows I would have attended in the city last night. But he was coherent and able to annunciate his syllables, even hitting the high notes, or at least as well as can be expected.
My experience was similar to the one described by the person who went to the Vancouver show a few days ago - yes, there were a few moments of letting the audience sing, which I didn't completely love either, although by now I suppose that is an accepted show tactic. I also can't tell if he wasn't maybe only slightly drunk, as he did wobble a little, although it's hard to tell if that was inebriation or his version of rock star energy. And he was incomprehensible when he spoke between songs, but he's also a Scouser talking to Americans; we probably need a translator for him even when sober.
Anyway yeah, I had a great time and I think if you're on the fence, definitely go.
like a lot of people I was worried. To my surprise, the show went much better than I expected.
In regards to Macs presence, I was pleased to see him standing up, relatively sober and most importantly — having fun. Ive come to accept that his voice is not what it used to be, and it’s never coming back, but him bringing a positive energy and acting like he actually wants to be there really did wonders for the overall performance. I’m glad he’s feeling better.
On the vocal performance, yeah his voice is shot, but his ear is not. what I mean is that even though he can’t hit the high notes, and sadly there were moments when he appeared to push out mostly silent air — when the sound did come, it was in key, on beat, and had that trademark twangy lilt we’ve come to associate with the bunnymen sound. in short, they made it work.
Whatever sparkle was missing from Ians voice, was made up for in spades by Will Sergeant’s guitar performance. I mean, wow. Id argue it’s worth attending a show just for that. The man is a maestro.
The setlist is basically the same across the tour. I’d say a great selection of the greatest hits. If you’re a fan, you’ll enjoy the hell out of yourself. As someone from the Vancouver show said, the early crocodiles and heaven up here post punk sounds worked really well with Macs current vocal range, and were just fuckin fun as hell to see performed live.
Folks, the bunnymen are alive and well on this tour.