Echo & the Bunnymen

Echo & the Bunnymen formed in Liverpool in 1978, Ian McCulloch's extraordinary voice and Will Sergeant's atmospheric, melodic guitar work giving them a quality that was immediately distinctive. They signed to Korova Records and released their debut album 'Crocodiles' (1980) — a record of considerable energy and invention that established them as one of the most important British post-punk bands.

'Heaven Up Here' (1981), 'Porcupine' (1983), and 'Ocean Rain' (1984) were all extraordinary albums. 'The Killing Moon' — from 'Ocean Rain' — is one of the most beautiful British songs ever recorded. McCulloch's voice, Sergeant's guitar, and the orchestral arrangements combined to create something genuinely transcendent. The band were at their peak in the mid-1980s.

Echo & the Bunnymen have continued to record and tour with remarkable consistency. McCulloch and Sergeant have maintained the band through various line-up changes. Their influence on subsequent British music — from Britpop to post-punk revival — is immeasurable.