In 1982 Echo and The Bunnymen did a legendary free concert in Sefton Park, Liverpool. Last night they came home to do it all over again. Despite the threat of rain, the crowd at the Liverpool International Music Festival was extensive. Having already seen some great acts, including Space performing a stellar set on the Liverpool stage, we took our place in the expectant crowd in the main arena.
As the members of The Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra took the stage (one hell of a backing band!) the excitement began to mount. When Ian McCulloch and the band took to the stage, the gig began with ‘Lips Like Sugar’ and from that moment the hits flowed out – ‘Bring On The Dancing Horses’, ‘The Cutter’ and ‘Rescue’ were all there. It was good to see McCulloch had lost none of his sass. "Any scousers here?" he quipped as he took the stage, and "This is the greatest song ever written" before a beautiful rendition of ‘Killing Moon’. He may not be the dervish on stage he once was, but his voice remains the same. Close your eyes and it might have been 1982, although the band certainly didn’t have a small orchestra with them then. ‘Villier’s Terrace’ was an interesting addition that pleased the die-hard fans, but it was ‘Ocean Rain’, played as a final encore, that made the night for me. Even without the fireworks that served to punctuate the final crescendo of sound, it would have been special.
Was there a down side? Not from the band. But, as it was a free festival, there were people just there for the ride who didn’t care about the music and carried on loud conversations, which were incredibly intrusive at times. Could they spoil the night? No, but they certainly didn’t add anything either.
I was amazed at the quality of music on offer. For a free gig, this was pretty special. LIMF has taken over from the Mathew Street festival, which used to take place on the city streets. I had my misgivings, but Last night won me over. Roll on LIMF 2016.