Echo and the Bunnymen’s performance last night at The Warfield in San Francisco was a mesmerizing journey through the annals of post-punk glory. The band, fronted by the enigmatic Ian McCulloch, delivered a show that was both nostalgic and refreshingly current, captivating a diverse audience that spanned generations.
The night kicked off with “Going Up,” setting a moody, atmospheric tone that lingered throughout the concert. McCulloch’s deep, resonant voice, undiminished by time, echoed through the venue, drawing the crowd into a shared reverie. Will Sergeant’s guitar work was impeccable, his riffs slicing through the ambient fog with a precision that reminded everyone why Echo and the Bunnymen remain a cornerstone of the genre.
Highlights included haunting renditions of “The Killing Moon” and “Bring on the Dancing Horses,” where the audience’s voices melded with McCulloch’s in a beautiful chorus of nostalgia. The band’s new material also resonated well, seamlessly blending with their classic hits and demonstrating their evolution while staying true to their roots.
The Warfield’s acoustics amplified the band’s layered soundscapes, enhancing the ethereal quality of their music. The light show was a perfect complement, casting long shadows and adding a visual depth that matched the music’s emotional intensity.
After the obligatory first encore of “Lips like Sugar” the second featured “Ocean Rain,” a performance that left the audience in a state of wistful euphoria, a perfect ending to an unforgettable night. Echo and the Bunnymen proved they are not merely a relic of the past but a living, breathing entity that continues to enchant and inspire. This concert was a testament to their enduring legacy and their undying appeal.
Photos by Louis Raphael
