Echo & the Bunnymen

another stellar performance from the band, they played all the hits, made me feel I was re-living the 80s

Gosh, how i love first times. taking things in, knowing that each impression is finding itself a place in my memory, saving it for later. The drive was brutal, a huge truck broke down on the freeway and then a massive tow truck ( kind of impressive )came to rescue it, just as we all limped by. But the seats, these seats i had gotten, they were close to the stage, off to a right vantage point and also near one of those screens so i could have a closer look. I have been known to say that seeing and hearing the Violent Femmes live is like having really good sex. i do still stand by that analogy. They are imbued with original thought unleashed through their creativity.. They had at times 4 horn players bending sound up on that stage. perceptive, progressive percussion playing is the backbone and that bass player, well he is a madman of musicality. AND to tie it all together, and give me that everything that i want is Gordon Gano, he IS the man.There is a czech word JASDA, that is often used to describe a musical jam session,one of spontaneity.. it means what is happening now, in the moment, all the way live. :) I can hear in their music how these arranged notes, chords and beats, were born out of a Jasda head space and created in a jam session, i hear freedom from forced form in their sound. and damn, can those boys play!!. Echo and the Bunnymen take me back to my twenty teens, and though i did not know them that well at the time, it was when i was living in Hawaii, my boyfriend brought them into my life, through his love of them they were introduced.. The album that he shared with me back then always stayed with me, i experienced it through his interpretative and creative mind. But that Ian, He has got to be Scottish i kept telling myself, i had giggles trapped in my throat each time he spoke to the audience,we all kept turning to one another to find out what he had just said, even in community we could not decipher it...that was hilarious. AHA, Ian McCulloch...he may be from England,but his Scottish is showing. Magical, visual, haunting. To find myself embedded in a crowd that loves him so much.,was a contact high..and looking around at these happy people and sharing the night under a sliver of a Killing moon ( that is one of their songs, btw), gave me what my mom calls "joy bubbles". And then they touched me, by performing my favorite song :sugar kisses" in their long and lovely encores. good times. As told by Mira 6/29/17

This show was great. Lead singer Gordon of the Violent Femmes sounded amazing. The songs played were terrific choices that us fans really appreciated. Echo and The Bunnymen were phenomenal. Every song was performed and sounded as good as any of the recordings from the past. Ian's voice was awesome and made me wanna stop singing along and just listen but it was infectious. I would see this again if I could.

The band gave a lackluster performance, but I am a longtime fan so that would have been overcome by the "Its just great to see them in concert for the first time" factor. Some other people were grumbling that Ian seemed to be is a bad mood.... I think it was just that he wore sunglasses and a heavy overcoat (an "I'm off to join the Russian Navy after the show and they want me in Uniform" coat)... Nobody moved around much (To be fair, The rhythm guitarist did a few Bolero moves that would get rave reviews from Bruno Tonioli should he ever decide to go on Dancing with the Stars).... But it COULD have been a good show except for one thing.... The real problem was the Nokia Theater staff. I see below we can upload photos of the event.... That's not likely to happen... The theater staff damn near TACKLED anybody who tried to take a photo with a camera phone.... Their aggressiveness was the most astonishing thing Ive ever seen at a concert venue.... I can only imagine I would have had just as good a time watching a great movie in County Jail..... I would love to know if this is an Echo & the Bunnymen policy (in which case I never need to try to see them again because the experience wont get any better) or if this is a Nokia Theater problem (Where I will NEVER see another show).

First of all this venue was amazing. Clean ,friendly staff ,great view of stage for all levels. Beutiful theater!! The sound was the best I have heard in a long time. They were flawless. One of the best shows I have seen and I have seen alot. Did I mention amazing lighting!!! A class act!

Fabulous band and performance. Incredibly beautiful theatre.

I'd been wanting to see these guys again since my first time in 1985 at L.A.'s Greek Theater (when I was barely 15 years old) so for me it was a dream come true. MAGICAL!! I'm still all emotional today...

Here is the deal: they play their seminar album Ocean Rain straight through with a 12-piece orchestra, the come back for two encores where they play some of their greatest hits and some stuff from the upcoming album. Now, Ocean Rain is one of my favorite albums of all time, so I had high expectations. They shattered those expectations with a performance that was incredible. Ian McCulloch's voice is still as good as when I first heard them 25 years ago. Hard to believe but true. Don't expect a lot of dancing or theatrics, because that just isn't what they do. But the light show is atmospheric and captivating, and the music is better than you can possible imagine. Highly recommended. Go see it.

Two shows in one. Ocean Rain complete for the first half which was textbook and a little stiff, but if you wanted to hear Ocean Rain that's what you heard. Second half, a mix of hits and new stuff. Great show, the band has come along way and overcome tradgedy. The new album is one of their better albums.

She wants revenge opened right away and had a small 40 minute set. The shame was that the fans of Echo seemed totally unacquainted with She Wants Revenge so the audience energy was lifeless. It was a shame because She Wants Revenge has some really cool songs. Echo's singer rasped his way haltingly through the first half of the set, relying on the orchestra to mask his bad singing. Then he cranked it up a notch during the second half. Too bad he resorted to shouting obscenities to the crowd. Seemed like he was not having too much of a good time.

It's obviously that the band has worked really hard to pull off Ocean Rain and they do. The orchestra is great and clearly having a good time. The guitarist has lost none of minimalistic talent but of course, eyes are on Ian....who was dressed in what looked like winter coat, almost covering his bottom and with a collar turned up so it was VERY difficult to really see what he looked like. Add to that sunglasses and moody lighting and he was absolutely teasing us about not being able to see him. Retaining a sexy image apparently important. His voice held up really well 3/4 of the way through. He sort of lost it a few songs into the second set, which was a best of Echo fest with obvious adoration from both the drunken louts in the audience and I think folks like me who remember seeing them 'in the day'. Ocean Rain was beautiful. Moving, poetic and well done live. Very full rich sound Ian is that same old Liverpool ruffian he always was..he talked alot..hard for most folks to understand but clearly he was feeling chatty....

I've been a fan for 18 years and saw them all through the 80s and 90s and the 2000's. Last night's show was probably the BEST I've ever seen! They were in top form and played a lot of very old (Crocodile and Ocean Rain) songs. I was so happy to be able to see this show. I flew all the way from Seattle to Oakland just for it and it was sure worth it!!!

Great set, great venue. Sound could have been better at times.

Loved hearing my favorite Echo & The Bunnymen album with orchestral backing!!! The songs sounded so rich, and Ian McCulloch was in fine voice (if rather incomprehensible when speaking between songs!). The down side was that Ocean Rain is such a short album, only nine songs. However, this meant that after a break, the band came back out, sans orchestra, and played a whole set of their other material, both old and new. Well worth the price of admission!

Excellent venue for this. Echo played Ocean Rain all the way thru and then a smattering of other goodies in the second set. Full orchestra! This was a lucky find as UK dates of this were snapped up quick. I got (gen admission) right up to stage. Freindly crowd. Echo proved beyond shadow of a doubt they are still kicking butt and taking names. They blow newer bands off the stage with REAL music.Pity MTV d radio turned on bands of this ilk and their playlists only accomodate what is unfortunately called music these days. We could all use a little more Echo in our lives. Sound mix a little muddy to hear Mac, but when he broke thru -pitch perfect...and those guitars! opening band -She Wants Revenge - fun band, reminded me a bit of Joy Division/Ministry when Ministry were more poppy.

The stage was back-lit with NO lights on the musicians or instruments. When I pay to go SEE a concert I want to SEE the concert! What a waste not to be able to see the musicians, the instruments and that symphony. The strobe lights flashing AT the audience were HACK and annoying at best. Also it had too much bass tones you couldn't hear the symphony. It was like turning a CD on and standing in a closet.

The Fox Theater is Oakland. The accoustics are horrible, I will never go there again for a show. Beautiful place - really bad sound. The band itself was great except I saw little point in having an orchestra join them for the fiirst half of the set, as the accoustics were worse when the orchestra was playing and it might have sounded better using synthesizers. Also the playing of one album in it's entirety was a bit predictable and boring. I wish I'd seen them at the Fillmorre as they are (usually) a great act

The openning act was more entertaining and had a better sound, but even they were hampered by a sound system that was echoing the sound so that you could not understand the lyrics. We were standing mid way back in the sound mixer area too. This poor sound set up continued with E & BM, but their song selection was poor, long ballets, we were expecting more 80's stuff, but Echos voice was very strained.

A fantastic show in a great venue. The Bunnymen put on a truly amazing show. It was great to hear the entire Ocean Rain album with mini-orchestra. 25 years later it is still a fantastic collection of songs. The second set was also great. A collection of early hits, old favorites, a few later favorites and two new songs. Mac's voice may not be what it used to be (he had to drop down an octave here and there to keep from cracking) but he kept it up for a good two hours. I wish they had brought back the orchestra for Back of Love/ Cutter & Nothing Lasts Forever those songs could have soared with full backing instead of just keyboards. The one real criticism was the annoyingly blinding strobe lights that faced the audience, point them somewhere else and you've got a perfect show.

What a great show, almost like getting two shows in one. First, the entire Ocean Rain album with a mini-orchestra, then a break, and the rockin' Echo came out and played one hit after another. Ian was in great form. His voice was stronger than it's been in years (did he quit smoking - he wasn't puffing in stage like he used to). Couldn't understand a word he said when he spoke, but the singing and the playing was very good. Great show and in a great venue -- The Fox.

I thought the show was Fantastic!!!! This band is one of my favorite bands of all time. I thought the show was special and I felt lucky that we were able to see them play two different sets plus an encore. I thought Ian's presence and his singing was mesmerizing. His lyrics and style are so unique, along with Wills inventive and original guitar riffs and overall playing, it was a pleasure to see both of them and the rest of the band perform again. I had seen them back in Buffalo for a free concert downtown at the Square when they released The Evergreen album, and when I found out they were going to be in the area again I immediately purchased tickets. I took my 20 year old daughter who I have been taking with me for some years now to certain concerts to enjoy and teach her who all the great bands are from my era (I will be 50 in Dec). This band ranks high on my list and it was a pleasure for me to share the experience with her. I thought Ocean Rain with the orchestra was amazing!!! And the new songs are great. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to see them again. Bunnymen Come back to Buffalo!!!!! Buffalo and bison, bison and Buffalo Da Da... Da Da ...Da Da Da ....Bedbugs and Ballyhoo!!!

The House of Blues in Orlando is an ok venue but when it is "sold out" it is most uncomfortable to have to stand for 3.5 to 4 hours to watch the show. Can't move, can't get to bar to get drinks. The sounds was good but had variable mixing throughout the show too.

..Fantastic!! If you missed it, you definitely missed a great show. They still rock out. Loved every second of it (even if you can t understand Ian.) Rock on!

I had no idea that I would love violent femmes as much as I did. I loved them when I was younger and they sounded just the same as I remember and put on a great show

Just as good as ever. Great show!!!! Did not stay for Echo.

Introducing my son to some 80s talent was a big success! The Violent Femmes continue their decades of hell-raising by delivering an energetic set. They delivered all the hots except \u2018Good Feeling which was missed. The night only got better when Ian McCullough and the rest of Echo and the Bunnymen kicked-off. Sounding like a studio cut album, the vocals and musicianship were surprisingly pristine after so many years. Almost all (Do it Clean where were you?) of the audience favorites were presented with style.

I was so excited to see 2 of my favorite bands from the 80's. Violent Femmes was unbelievable. Loved all the quirky instruments they used including once drumming on a weber kettle bbq grill and a giant saxophone. Everyone was singing and clapping along, loved it! Then Echo & the Bunnymen came on opening with Lips Like Sugar. They sounded off. They did a few cover songs including a Doors song. It was awful. It seemed like each song got worse as the session went on. The audience was quiet and people started leaving. After an hour, I finally heard enough of their wonderful being butchered by them. I too left. Only half the people were there when I did leave. Was very disappointed.

Ian sounds amazing. Will knocked it out. The entire line up was fantastic. Can t wait to see them again.

A blast from the past...VF and Echo! I hadn t seen either of them since 1988, but so glad I went. Both bands brought it, but the VF had a special energy. So much fun!

Both bands were fantastic. So much better than I could have imagined!! The Ryman is such a great venue to see any band!

It s was an amazing concert. Echo & The Bunnymen have been a bucket list of mine for years and to see them at The Ryman was perfect!!

Having seen this same combo a year ago I went into it understanding that Echo and the Bunnymen would likely be a disappointment and that the Violent Femmes would put on a professional show with plenty of memorable and enjoyable moments. Annnnnd it turned out just like that. If the Femmes come back around in another year let's hope they pick a better headliner. Sorry, chaps. Dry him up and your show will improve.

The Violent Femmes and Echo & The Bunnymen show in Houston was FANTASTIC! I wish every concert was that fun. More particularly the sound was spot-on, the setlist was pure dance party, lastly the bands seem to really enjoy themselves. Come back again!

My first time to see Echo and also the Violent Femmes. First, the Violent Femmes brought the energy and I was duly impressed. They played the songs you wanted to hear and more. Next, Echo and the Bunnymen. The highlight of the night was Killing Moon near the end of the set. I did think that the singer was having some throat issues that night but he soldiered through them as a true professional. I am glad I got to see these bands.

Fantastic show. So happy I got a chance to see both bands live, even if it wasn't all the original members.

I grew up listening to the Violent Femmes but had never had the chance to see them live. They are incredible! Played all their best songs and were just fun to watch/listen to.

Echo and the Bunnymen put on a great show, but the Violent Femmes were really amazing!!!

Great show by both performers but the Violent Femmes stole the show. Echo needs a little bit more energy and should do their more popular songs towards the end (my 2 cents). They both sounded great. Didn't really like Echo's set list as much - but still a good show. Well worth it!

Violent Femmes were a great cjoice for tour mates. Complimentary in content and crowd. Even got to chat briefly with John and Blaise outside after the show. However, the main reason I eent was to see Echo and the Bunnymen. Good song choices by the headliner and an enthusiastic band couldn't seem to compensate for what looked like a too-hot mic and monitor for Ian. He lept touching the mic and snapping his hand back while looking at the sound guy. Had to leave at the regular end of the show, don't think they played an encore. I don't know that for sure, but I'd see them again anyway. In general a highly anticipated show that disappointed a little.

Echo out front, stage dark blue hard to see rest of band. After high energy Violent Femmes, Echo seems kind of blah.

Only watched Voilent Femmes perform. They put on a great show!

I came for Echo & the Bunnymen what a disappointment! Ian's vocals were the worst I have ever witnessed at a live show and I have been 2 hundreds of shows. The band had no energy or stage presence! The lighting sucked. There was TV monitors but they were not used probably because they knew if they used them everyone would see what train wreck of a show they put on! Now the Femmes were enjoyable to watch. Don't waste your money on Echo& the Bunnymen.

It was great to see this band and would do it again

The last time I saw the Violent Femmes was 21 years ago at a much smaller venue. They sounded just as amazing as they did back then. The show was amazing and the crowd was so much fun.

It's always a pleasure to see anyone at Pacific Amphitheater. Not a bad seat in the place. This was my 4th time seeing VF and 2nd seeing Echo & The Bunnymen. I was hoping there would've been an opening act, as Violent Femmes were at least 1/2 way through their set before the place filled up. I really enjoyed Gano chatting between songs, love his humor. My biggest complaint (if there is one) was that Echo & The Bunnymen didn't use the jumbo-tron. I realize it adds mystery (whatever...) but it was a bit frustrating. As was Ian McColloch's few words between songs, I couldn't understand a single word he said! But the bands rocked, a true 80's flashback!

One of the worst concerts ever! Opening band Violent Femmes played 7:15 to 8:35 then waited for 30 minutes for Echo. Problem is there is a noise curfew at 10 so we came for a whopping 50 minute concert. Lead singer was either drunk or didn't care about performing. tThere was no camera footage to see on screens and the stage was in the dark the whole time. Will not see them ever again! They played 6 songs in 20 minutes so they obviously shortened all the songs. The band doesn't deserve any payment for such a crappy performance. WOW what a disappointment! They are half way through the tour I feel sorry for those on the last leg of tour. Since when does the opening band play longer than the headliner?

Nice to hear many old favorites, even very early albums. Sound was very good, Just seemed to go too fast even though they did 3 encores. Just an excellent band.

After some many years the music still sounds fresh

Great upbeat concert once again, I saw them last year at the same venue. Very happy to see that it was so sold out.

Freaking awesome show. We had to leave our up close seats to go all the way up behind last row and rock out, as there simply was no sitting down for any part of this show.

Ian's voice was shot, could not hold a note and made the songs nothing close to how they should sound. The band was very good and put a great sound but the vocals just couldn't do it justice, too bad, it was beautiful evening and unfortunately a lot people left earlier than I had expected. The violent femmes sounded much better...

I've been a fan since the early 80's so this may be biased, but they really did a great job of honoring the great songs they have created that still stand up better than most modern music today. Ian's voice was strong and his presence was felt. Will Seargeant's epic riff's filled the venue. So glad i got to see them again in good form.

Speechless. Both bands were phenomenal. I would have to give the nod to the Femmes though they were spot on. The kid sax player Blaise Garza was awesome. I think they said he's 28 and has been playing with the Femmes since he was 14. You sometimes don't realize the level of talent until you see it up close and personal. Charcoal drum grill, banjos, brush drums, freaking awesome and creative. Echo was great as well, but Ian I think was a little dazed and confused at times. Lots of little riff breaks so he could wander back for a puff and a sip - which is what a rock star does right? Express Live has to be one of the better outdoor, intimate venues in this country. Probably why we get so many great shows and the music scene in Columbus is brisk (you know, 15th largest city in the country and all). Phenomenal experience for yours truly who grew up on 80's alt.

I have seen Femmes before but never Echo. LOVED IT

Great venue with great weather. Stage setup was perfect and the view of the city is incredible.

Echo and the B'men were absolutely incredible. Very tight band, great sound and excellent vocals. They played all of their hits with gusto and the crowd loved them. The visuals were not much to write home about - the backdrop consisted of a bizarre yet cool bunnyman and Ian McCulloch actually asked for the lights on stage to be turned down. As a result, it was a bit hard to see him and you missed out on some of the brilliant guitar work by Will Sergeant. The wall of sound, however, carried the day as this was one of the best shows I have seen in a while. Highly recommended for any fan of original 80's new wave.

Pleasant surprise, Ian McCullough's voice sounded pretty good. The setlist included most of the favorites and focused on the older music. I don't think the rest of the band included any original members. Hard to tell, see below. Now here comes the weird part...the stage was almost totally dark. Virtually no lights were on. I'm not sure how Ian could see wearing sunglasses. I asked one of the ushers if there was an equipment or power issue, they said "no, artist's request" I know music is meant to be heard, but one of the reasons we go to live performances is to "see" the bands perform. Well, that wasn't possible at this show. I have never been to a live music show that was this dark. See photo. All in all the show was good. I would have liked to have seen it though. Ester Drang was a really good opening act!!

All in all it was a good concert. I've been a fan of Echo since their first album, but never got to see them live until now. Will Sargent is truly an amazing guitarist - I don't think I fully appreciated how good because I assumed a lot of the effects on their record came from other sources, not the guitar. But live, that was completely apparent. I wish Ian Mcculloch was better at connecting with an audience. He was in good voice, and handled the vocals well. But you could never see his face (it was covered by a combination of sunglasses and the microphone he held so close to his face) and as such, it was hard to relate to him. However, the songs were all there and they were majestic. The light show was gorgeous. The other band members - keyboards, bass, backup guitar, were excellent. The House of Blues is nice in that its smaller, so you can get pretty close to the band. The sound system was great. But I did not appreciate their blatant attempt to sell drinks by having the tickets say "doors open at 7:00" when the band was not scheduled to come on until 10:00 on a work night. Standing around for 2 plus hours is not a great experience.

You never know what you'll get when it comes to aging new wave bands. In the case of Echo and the Bunnymen, all expectations were exceeded! Mac sounded great while channeling Jim Morrison over and over while Will Sergeant elicited all kinds of sounds from his array of very cool guitars. The crowd of mainly 40 and 50 somethings ate it up from start to finish. In the age of technology and over the top light shows, it was refreshing to see the band uphold their tradition of not being lit from the front. It might have been the first time ever that the opening act had a bigger light show than the headliner...and no one seemed to mind. I would most definitely recommend this tour!

This was my first time seeing EATB and I was not disappointed. Ian's voice and Will's guitar playing were fresh and in sync all night long and they truly "did it clean." The songs you expected were played (though one of my personal favorites, Bomber's Bay, didn't make an appearance) and the homage to influences medley during "Nothing Lasts Forever" was satisfying. Does Ian always toss cigarettes out into the audience? I caught a Marlboro but am not quite sure what the market value is for it--ha! Since I'm an old fart (like most of the audience was) the show brought back many pleasant memories of when I first began listening to EATB around 1980. Do it Clean.

Berlin is native to Orange County and you can always count on Terri Nunn giving a great performance. I saw Berlin here as well back in 1995 and Berlin was just as great then as they were in 2015. Echo & The Bunnymen was great too and my review could have been 5. My only complaint was Ian McCulloch's political ramblings. We go to see your concerts Ian, not listen to your political rants. It's a shame we have to listen to you pander your personal political rants. I will see Berlin again and again. I will give warning to friends about Echo & The Bunnymen and if they don't want to hear political rants not to go.

Local Cal State Fullerton alums, Berlin, ripped it up, and set the stage for Echo and the Bunnymen to return to the OC where the last time I saw them was at Irvine Meadows in 1986. Terri Nunn, btw, is still quite the looker and singer. Berlin's sound spot on. As for Echo, Ian McCulloch, lead singer, cigarette in hand at times, could nail every note, indeed. His wit and raspy charm with an almost inaudible Northern England accent this evening had an amusing Donald Trump debate theme that was as irreverent as ever. Will Sargent, music genius of the 80's extraordinaire, was solice and superb as usual and ever the professional. We had good seats in orchestra but the PacAmp was full to the brim. Sound was great and lighting as well top notch. Can't go wrong at this venue. Hit favs Seven Seas, Cutter, and Lips Like Sugar brought the house down, of course, but not even a less than 2 hour show so the essence of Echo, mind you, was moderately scratched open only. They need a 2 1/2 hrs at least show and then we r talking. Good line-up, though, with Ian and Will fronting plus original bass player, I think, but other guitarist, drummer, and key-boardist appear newer to the band? So, we will have to await for a return visit of one the best alt bands of the 80's to get another shot at seeing Echo. Thanks to all for booking them! Hope they come back to the OC. Btw, the new upper back exit hall and facade to the fair grounds is awesome. Great segue from PacAmp to OC Fair.

Echo and the Bunnymen put on an amazing show at the Filmore. In front of a sold-out crowd they rocked the night with songs from all of their albums along with some improv covers of the Doors and Lou Reed! Ian McCullough's voice was in top form and their performance was outstanding. So glad I was there!

The show was fantastic! The guy in front of me kept farting though.

Thank you Echo and the Bunnymen for an awesome experience. Crocodiles and Heaven up here have long been favorites of mine and to see them performed live was truly epic. Safe travels to you the Bunnymen.

This was an incredible show. I have seen Echo & the Bunnymen a dozen or so times since they reformed in '97, and have never been disappointed, and this was a unique chance to see Crocodiles and Heaven Up Here played back to back. They played the UK track listing for Crocodiles (the US version included "Do It Clean" and a reworked "Read It In Books,"). Heaven Up Here followed - this is a particularly vibey record from start-to-finish. This was only the second time I've heard "A Promise" performed live, and Ian invited the crowd to sing along, saying "this one is hard" and pointing high. He sounded great on this really moving song. They did an encore with "Lips Like Sugar," "Do It Clean" (the afore mentioned US add to Crocodiles), "Bring on the Dancing Horses," and "Nothing Lasts Forever." The came back for a second encore and did "The Killing Moon" and "The Cutter." I thought it was cool that they wore the fatigues/camo gear from the period and had camouflage netting on the stage like the stage show of that late '80/early '81 period. They even kept the lights simple for that portion of the show with back lighting all in amber. There were colored lights for the encores, I wonder how may people were aware of the historic precedent. There were lots of old schoolers, but a surprising number of younger kids. This show was the first of the US tour. It was Ian's birthday and he said it was a great gift to have us to play to.

Loved the show. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because there was a bit too much smoke on stage, not from Ian smoking.

I've loved Echo and the Bunnymen for years, so when I finally had the opportunity to see them live last year, I bought tickets immediately. I was particularly excited as they were playing a venue with the capacity of roughly 700. I even peeked at recent setlists before the show. So many classics! How could the night go wrong? Unfortunately in many ways. Though I'm a big fan of the music of Echo and the Bunnymen, I knew little about the band personally. Well after this show I can safely say that as a person, I am far from a fan of Ian McCulloch. I have never seen a lead singer spout such incoherent nonsense during a concert before. Furthermore, he was incredibly condescending towards the audience, going as far as calling us c**ts. As voiced by others in many reviews, the band played with almost no stage lights. Apart from the rather frequent camera flashes, all you could make out of the band were dark shadowy figures. There were heckles by the audience to turn up the lights, which only resulted in more attitude from Ian. His basic stance was that him and the band came all the way from England to play the show, and we should all just shut up and watch. None of the heckles were rude, (people just wanted to actually "see" the band they paid $30 to see) but he proceeded to get personal every time. Musically the band sounded rather good, though it was clear that Ian's voice is no longer what it used to be. The band really nailed some songs (particularly The Cutter) yet others like the Killing Moon just were flat and lacked the passion of their recorded versions. His voice just can't even remotely soar like it used to. For positives, the band did manage to pull a very diverse and pleasing setlist, both for new comers who are most familiar with the hits, and devotees of the band. Still, Ian's constant self-indulgent rants between many songs often ruined the flow and mood of the evening. The worst was during Lips Like Sugar where midway during the song, Ian just talked for nearly 8 minutes over the song, while the band jammed on the verse chords. With his thick accent and mumbling you couldn't even make out what he was saying half the time. With times like this, audience heckling got a bit more intense, with exclamations to just play the songs. I'm shocked the band would indulge self-gratification this extreme. We were so done with the night after Lips Like Sugar, so we headed out before the band came out once more to play Do It Clean. I'm positive we didn't miss much.

Another great show from Echo and the Bunnymen! Ian's voice sounded really solid although he did go on a bit of a drunken rant towards the very end of the night about Lou Reed when segwaying into "Walk on the Wild Side". Will's guitar playing was suberb, as always. I do wish he would have been a bit louder in the overall mix but maybe it was because I was standing on the other side of the stage in front of the bass and rhythm guitarist. Don't know the bass players name but he was incredibly talented as well. The strangest thing about the concert was that Ian didn't seem to want the lights turned onstage so you could barely see the band. When one guy kept yelling to have them turned up, he had the guy tossed. Pretty funny. Ian donned dark shades the whole night so I'm not sure why he needed the spots off and house lights down. It did create a pretty cool mood though. Set list is below and is dead on accurate since I got a copy of it.

Great show . You could hear all the words sung. Great place for any show. It was weird that they played the whole show in almost darkness. Never the less I would go see them again.

They played well. I would recommend it to my gradmother.

What a fantastic night, front row at the Fillmore. I first saw Echo & the Bunnymen 28 years ago in London. Ian is a bit more talkative these days! Absolutely fantastic concert.

Would we go again? Absolutely Excellent live!!!! Awesome!

It was so HOT at HOB that everyone was sweating. Sound was awful. Echo and the Bunnymen was disappointing. However, Violent Femmes however, were awesome! What a talented group of musicians. Would definitely go see them again. Sound was still bad and venue was HOT.

I love the intimate setting of the House of Blues. I especially like the floor area. Both bands acoustics sounded amazing. I would purchase these tickets again in a heartbeat!

Had a blast from the past good time. Both groups sounded amazing and put on a great show.

It s been 27 years since I ve seen them. Will was as crafty as ever in guitar and Ian was Ian. So glad to see them again. Still LOVE their sound!

Very good show. Lots of good music, crowd was into it. A lot of fun

I was shocked that the Violent Femmes were the opening act, didnt matter though. Great show, the band met everyone for autographs at their merch table, no Gordon but still super excited to have briefly met them. Echo was decent I suppose, the singer was more interested in playing with the fan and his drink than performing IMO. Overall a great show and we had a great time!

Violent femmes opened, amazing! Their sound is great and they were very engaged with the audience. Echo and the Bunnymen, a little less exciting. They sounded good, but not much else.

Violent Femmes puts on a great show. Extremely entertaining with the vast amounts of instruments and no traditional drum kit. I only own Add it up greatest hits and they played just about everything from that album, (yay for the casual fan.) 2 songs that required the banjo had some kind of technical difficultly and you could barely hear them. Otherwise loved them. Echo and the Bunnymen just oozed cool on stage. Although, my strongest memory is Ian losing that cool a bunch of times, angry at something with the mic I am assuming. Not sure what the issue was because each time he sounded perfectly fine to me, then his voice turned to crap with whatever it was they were trying to fix, I wish he would have just left it alone. I own more albums by them and the few songs I didn't recognize were still enjoyable, no Silver made me sad though. The venue itself has always sucked. House of Blues is close up, but insanely overcrowded. If you aren't in the pit gasping for air, then you are desperately trying to find a view that isn't blocked by a pole, monitor or wires hanging down from the balcony area. Once some of the Femmes crowd left, it felt a bit more comfortable.

The Violent Femmes played an amazing set, they should have been the headliner. Echo's performance was mediocre. I was looking forward to seeing them for the first time. It was a major let down.

Amazing show, I'm always guaranteed to attend, anytime, anywhere!!

Loved everything about it! both bands delivered and were amazing a must see show for sure!

The Violent Femmes sounded great but something seemed to be wrong with the sound when Eccho & The Bummymen came on. We were sitting center rear. The volume was so low that we could barely hear the band and it seemed as if thr whole left side of the sound system was off. Finally we gave up and walked around. The sound was louder OUTSIDE of the seating area,off to the side. Then it seemed the singer had forgotten the words. That was the last straw. We left early. Leasson learned; don't drive over an hour to see a concert in OC.

They sounded like karaoke. It felt like they were rehearsing rather than putting on a show. Never again.

Violent Femmes was great but Echo was just average. They didn't sound good and they didn't have the screens on do it was hard to engage.

I have always been a big time listener to Echo and the Bunnymen, but this concert was terrible. Ian McCulloch didn't seem like he wanted to be there. It was extremely hot and he sounded off from the very beginning. Not sure why he would come out in 100 degree heat with a long sleeve coat on? The rest of the band was in short sleeves. Also the warmup band (The Violent Femmes) were on when it was even hotter and put on an outstanding show.

Kudos to the Violent Femmes, they played a nice long set with every Femmes song you wanted to hear. Not a single complaint about the heat. Boo to the Bunnymen, who played about 6 songs, then proceeded to trainwreck as their long coat clad front man Ian McCulloch wilted in the heat. Midsong he dashed offstage. Back for another song and a half. Off he goes again. Back for a song and off again. Back for "Lips Like Sugar" and it's thank you good night. Never did take off the long coat. Could have been handled much more professionally. Disappointed after waiting 20 years for the return of the Bunnymen.

The Violent Femmes were everything you could ask for. They still sound great. Echo & Bunnymen? If you're hot, take your coat off. It's not rocket science.

First of all, let me say this concert took place on one of the hottest days St. Louis has had for years, I think, and certainly the hottest of this year. It was over 100 degrees, which made for a great deal of discomfort. But, I was not going to miss the chance to see my long time favorites, Echo and the Bunnymen. After what seemed an eternity, they finally took the stage, and while the experience ended up being not what I had expected, it was very special and I give it the best of ratings. Ian, the lead singer, started having difficulty with the heat pretty quickly, and had to leave the stage several times. I can only speak for myself, but judging by the crowd reaction I think a lot of people felt the way I did. While concerned for his health and overall well being, there was also the desire to see them perform and the hope that Ian would recover and be able to go on. Each time he left the stage and came back, there was a tremendous applause. It was really amazing to see the support there for him as he dealt with trying to sing in such heat. The whole band was amazing and sounded great, and Ian himself really poured out his heart trying to sing for us. Finally though, it became too much and they had to cut the show short. Not before they came out though and gave us one last song-----the most perfect, pull out all the stops version of "Lips Like Sugar" ever! Ian must have went down deep and pulled up the very last bit of energy he had to do that for us, because he was perfect. While I wish the weather had been better, and Ian had been able to do the whole show, what we did end up seeing was an amazing effort by Ian and the entire band to overcome the circumstances and perform for us. This fan is grateful. I hope they come back to St. Louis again under better weather conditions! I can't really comment on the other acts, Ava Mendoza and The Violent Femmes. Due to the heat, we missed Ava, and I'm not enough of a Femmes fan to give a fair review of their show. Judging by the crowd reaction though, they did a great job.

Very hot. Over 100°. Violent Femmes went first and were awesome! When Echo & The Bunnymen came on, it was just too hot for the Brit. Ian M had to stop mid on more than one occasion. They ended up rushing through their set. They were about 4 songs short of their normal set list. However extra points for skipping the lesser known and finishing off with most well know songs. Ian was obviously struggling and trying to get through the heat. It looked like he had to stop and get oxygen on numerous occasions. Just not sure why if he was that over heated, he didn't take off his jacket. He was was struggling but kept coming back. The set was less than an hour. Most interesting show I've ever witnessed.

Violent Femmes out in a great show in the heat of the sun. Echo came on after sun was down and couldn't perform because said it was too hot. Lead singer had a suit jacket on! Take off jacket and perform the show. Who cares it's your signature jacket. We paid for a concert, not fashion show.

This was an outdoor show and it was 108 degrees...a St. Louis heat record. I'm sure the heat index was close to 115. The show was going well but right in the middle of Dancing Horses Ian stopped and you could hear him gasp..."I can't breathe". Oxygen was brought out. They wrapped up the show shortly after that. I can't say that I blame them. Perhaps he could breathe easier if he wasn't smoking and wearing a long sleeved jacket...and perhaps backed off the fog machine. Just sayin'. I'd rather be cool than look cool. Overall a pretty good show all things considered.

This was the worst concert in my 40 years of concert going. It was a very hot night in St Louis and Ian McCulloch came out in a long sleeve coat. He made it through about 3 songs before leaving the stage saying he was sorry. The band coaxed him out for another song and a half, then off again. HE came out one last time for 1 song then never was seen again. He sounded terrible all night and just seemed not to want to be here. Luckily for us the Violent Femmes put on a great warm up show. This was very disappointing. Echo was one of my favorite bands through my early adulthood and this concert didn't do anything to preserve their greatness.

Great show! The Violent Femmes were fantastic and Echo and the Bunnymen were right on as well. Loved the venue. It was a little on the hot side, so I was dehydrated from the sun and drinks. Other than that - what a fantastic show and the set lists were great. I would have loved to have had All my Colours on the set list, but I'll get over it :) I saw them in Columbus in 2015, so I got that song live :)

The opening act, Eva Mendoza was not my taste. She's definitely talented, but her style of song writing didn't appeal to me at all and I could've happily skipped her part of the show. Violent Femmes played next and were very good. They kept the crowd's energy up despite the heat and humidity. They played all their classics and everyone had a blast. While I am a bigger fan of EATB, I really enjoyed the Femmes performance. Bunnymen were next. Recent shows after this one have received mixed reviews as far as Ian's performance quality. For the Pittsburgh show he was on form, chatted with the crowd, and commented on the beauty of the lights on the hill across the river after the sun went down. His voice was in good form for this show. We were also treated to a surprise 2nd encore of Ocean Rain (other shows finished with Lips Like Sugar). Most of the crowd had already filed out when they retook the stage and sang this beautiful classic. Despite the heat of the outdoor venue, this was a great show.

I last saw echo and the bunnymen 30 years ago at the civic arena with New Order and Gene Love Jezebel. It was a fantastic and nostalgic night! Wow what an amazing show. The Femmes were fabulous as always!

Went mainly to see the violent femmes. Been a fan since college-many moons ago. They did not disappoint. Great show, but the opening act screeching was more than I wanted to hear.

They played few of their old hits. Had numerous technical difficulties and it left a lot to be desired. Lead singer was so intoxicated by the end of the show that you could hardly understand him.