Comments on: Echo & The Bunnymen at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:38:50 +0000

Will was never the “looker” that Mac was… but his talent hasn’t dimmed with age the way some of Mac’s gifts have.

The show was excellent – I just wish they’d rehearsed a few Ocean Rain b-sides with the orchestra (they did Angels And Devils on the last tour) – would have made a nice encore here.

Solid show – they’re a band that don’t surprise all that often, but don’t really disappoint either.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:43:33 +0000

Yeah, you’re right about the graceful aging. Mac looks good for a man of his age, but not everyone gets that kind of a head start. And Will has maintained the face-covering hairstyle over the years for a reason (but truthfully, rendered completely immaterial by the guitar godhood).

By: Frank Yang

Frank Yang — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:21:11 +0000

it’s pretty standard – you get to bring the nice toys but have to abide by the rules. And c’mon, Mac has aged alright. Will, on the other hand…

By: Bruce

Bruce — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:16:07 +0000

That’s a bit harsh. I’m sure some people were getting away with some shooting up front, once a few dancers in the aisles provided cover. Maybe not worth the risk of getting thrown out, though. As for the cloak of darkness — I guess the whole Dorian Grey-without-the-painting thing would make one a bit camera-shy. ; )

By: Frank Yang

Frank Yang — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:05:58 +0000

hey bruce – those shots WERE with accreditation. we had to shoot from the back, and even with my longest lens there wasn’t much to work with – especially with them in pretty much darkness for the first three songs (or the whole show, really). But it was what it was and it was a great show.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:00:26 +0000

I too thoroughly enjoyed Echo. Having seen them in ’05, I had no illusions about what to expect from the band, both sonically and performance-wise, so my expectations were exceeded. Would have liked a little more Will Sargeant in the mix, but, small complaint. Almost thought Mac’s apology for his voice was merely to set up the surprise when he pulled out the stops, and as you said, those moments (“The Cutter”!) were impressive, especially the “screaming from beneath the waves” finale to Ocean Rain. A guy behind me applauded that moment alone.

The (“humble”) orchestra really made it special, and the slide show was great — even if it seemed the Bunnymen were indulging in a little self-mythmaking — until its untimely end (thanks OSX for choosing that particular moment to request a Software Update!) I had predicted a separate set of hits, and was happy to see it come true. Great selection, with “A Promise” being the one I missed most, but understandable that its sustained series of high notes might have been a problem for The Voice. Only other wish — “Never Stop” with the strings, but, just not in the cards.

I guess no photo accreditation was granted, but good work under the circumstances. At least you were central. I notice no shots of the ghoul playing guitar stage right — good call!