'Think I Need It Too' due out on July 14?

[Dr Cheese]

That is exactly what he's going to do. they have played huge festivals and that is what he does.

I have no doubt that's what he'll do (because he can't do anything else these days) but it'll look a bit lame from the back of the arena I reckon.

[JackT]

I think he should warm thing up by asking the audience if they are "ready to rock", and then claim he cannot hear the crowd's response. My understanding is that this whips the audience into a frenzy, as they try ever harder to convey the fact that yes, they are ready to rock.

After being duly satisfied, Mac can then open with Candleland.

[Dr Cheese]

The Bunnymen should open like this:

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I wonder how long Mac would last before he needed oxygen.

[In The Margins]

Maybe he'll wear crotchless chaps and a vest too.

And hold out and point the microphone to the audience a lot.

Hee haw.

[Scouser]

The only band Ive ever seen transcend their stadium surroundings without resorting to crowd pleasing spectacle are Radiohead (OK Computer era).

[fat cherry]

Perhaps that is the answer. Cash in on their old material. If they can do it by performing Ocean Rain live, then an album of re-recordings of their earlier stuff in a double album that would also feature new material. Back that up with single releases of various re-recorded songs

You having a laugh? hmm, now that would be depressing - the only thing we can think to do is rerecord, again, all that stuff. Never mind that mac is on record as saying he doesn't like half the words, or his voice from that era. Never mind that they toured in support of the remasters a few years ago, and to all intents and purposes haven't changed the setlist since, though have released a couple or more dodgy live albums and DVDs. If people were going to buy the old stuff I think they would have done so, not be tempted by a croakalongamac version.

I'd have thought some attempt the become a band again instead of two blokes who clearly dont like each other that much and begrudge sharing a stage with each other and only seem to do so so they can pay the mortgage.

On the bright side I htink revisiting a whole album rather than just the [nearly] hits might revitalise something. Or perhaps not.

If they do a reality show I will send all my collection back, or burn it

[Mr. Brian]

It's not sold out.

Sorry, I misread that, I thought you were originally referring to the RAH gig, not the Echo Arena.

[withahip]

I think he should warm thing up by asking the audience if they are "ready to rock", and then claim he cannot hear the crowd's response. My understanding is that this whips the audience into a frenzy, as they try ever harder to convey the fact that yes, they are ready to rock.

After being duly satisfied, Mac can then open with Candleland.

Do you think he should also say, "Hello Cleveland!"

[Mr. Brian]

Do you think he should also say, "Hello Cleveland!"

A giant Bunnygod should come out like "eddie" from Iron Maiden and menace the audience into raucous behavior and fist pumping as Mac rides a Vespa out waving a bullwhip and a can of hairspray.

[Dr Cheese]

A giant Bunnygod should come out like "eddie" from Iron Maiden and menace the audience

Yeah, it should also have spotlights for eyes and float over the audience like at a Floyd gig, a giant robot should then grab hold of Mac and lift him into the rafters while Will frantically hammers away on his guitar in a pyramid of lasers.

[guitarplayer on here too]

You having a laugh? hmm, now that would be depressing - the only thing we can think to do is rerecord, again, all that stuff. Never mind that mac is on record as saying he doesn't like half the words, or his voice from that era. Never mind that they toured in support of the remasters a few years ago, and to all intents and purposes haven't changed the setlist since, though have released a couple or more dodgy live albums and DVDs. If people were going to buy the old stuff I think they would have done so, not be tempted by a croakalongamac version.

I'd have thought some attempt the become a band again instead of two blokes who clearly dont like each other that much and begrudge sharing a stage with each other and only seem to do so so they can pay the mortgage.

On the bright side I htink revisiting a whole album rather than just the [nearly] hits might revitalise something. Or perhaps not.

If they do a reality show I will send all my collection back, or burn it

No I'm not having a laugh. Seriously, I think it could make a good album (or digital download) revisiting some of the older songs, they do it in gigs, they have often done it as b-sides, did it in Peel sessions during the late 90s and it has been done as live albums, but never as a studio album. Partly did it with Avalanche, although that Gimmemusic venture wasn't much of a success. It's not cashing in as such because it would never sound the same as the originals anyway, Mac's voice, different production styles, etc. Think of something along the lines of the lo-fi version of The Promise. It's certainly not going to put them back to the successes of 1997, I don't think anything will now. Could be more interesting than the gigs though.

[JackT]

Yeah, it should also have spotlights for eyes and float over the audience like at a Floyd gig, a giant robot should then grab hold of Mac and lift him into the rafters while Will frantically hammers away on his guitar in a pyramid of lasers.

OK that would actually be pretty good.

[Dr Cheese]

Or they could just have a bit of dry ice and Mac clinging onto the mike stand.

[Scouser]

The people in row Z train their binoculars on the stage. They can just make out a fat bloke with bad skin fiddling with a guitar whilst the caretaker checks the mic is working. The orchestra begin the opening bars to Silver as the audience realise in horror that the scruffy bloke in shades and long coat is no mere janitor but Sir Ian himself. Sir Ian croaks his way through Silver whilst the majestic swirling string section rise to a crescendo. The fat bloke shuffles nervously to one side using his long fringe as a barrier between him and abject failure. If I cant see it, its not happening.

Sir Ian splutters to a halt. Polite applause from the standing area. Everyone else stares incredulously at the stage. Surely this isnt it. The dry ice starts up again. This is Sir Ians big chance to redeem the situation. The crowd listen attentively to hear the utterances of this post punk legend.

"Er...alright"

The orchestra strike up the bars to Nocturnal Me.

Its going to be a long night.

[JackT]

A few comments on the above:

1) You snuck in jabs at Wills fatness and skin quality as if they contribute to the weight of criticism of the band. They do not.

2) You insinuate that Will's looking down and hiding behind his hair is indicative of embarrassment. He may, in fact, be embarrassed, but hiding behind his hair is not evidence of such.

3) Mac can probably pull off "Silver" reasonably well.