Roundhouse 7th February 2022

[King Of Kings]

Well
Mac’s voice was on fine form, but all the songs have been rounded and polished.

A coup of songs from crocs, HUH, Porcupine, Ocean, Game, Evergreen and even one from flowers.

16 songs. 5 minutes late on stage. 75 minute set double encore Lips/ Moon.

The new Bunnymen did their job well but there was no esoteric energy. No magic pulse that would resonate and encapsulate the audience.

The Bunnymen were singing for their supper here, but just going through the motions like a pantomime horse.

No chemistry, No cohesiveness. Will as good as always appeared to be boarded and the new Bunnyies however, (guitar, base, drums, keyboards). haven’t gelled yet.

The audience was mixed 30 - 60 but remained static throughout the performance. Those closest to the stage just watched, no bouncing like a wave rippling through like a Mexican wave.

It was pleasant in a nostalgic sort of way, but left me feeling underwhelmed.

Voo doo billy has left the building

[crystal89]

Be nice to see them go back to a normal Setlist length. One wonders if Mac’s bad back can stand for any longer though.

I also have noticed quite a few saying the hired help are different, and I think Ste, who’s been the bassist since 2005 is still there and the Drummer is Simon Finley who also played with the buns around the Siberia tours. Not sure on the Rhythm guitar and isn’t the keyboard player from Doves?

As a side note the only acceptable songs to extend are Do It Clean and Crocodiles. Can just about tolerate one more. But all 3 of NLF, Villiers and Lips, no thanks.

[oceanbrain]

Totally agree with all above.......so ur paying £40 for a 16 song 75 min set worthy of only a festival.Game & Ocean rain dropped from opening night of 19 songs.....agree drop the ramblings in Villiers/nlf & lips(yawn) & add choice from.....crocs,with a hip,do it clean,back of love,game Ocean rain,rust,anything from evergreen,in the margins......even think I need it to.....it is supposed to be" celebrating 40 years of magical music " after all....... roundhouse setlist only spans 24.Still my favourite band ever,been watching them since 82, but surely theyre better than a 16 song festival set!!!!

[StrifeKnot]

Well it was right, finally, that I got round to seeing them so apologies for that. I didn't have great expectations and like other comments you wont be surprised that my mind was not blown. But then a gig on a Monday is a ridiculous set of affairs in my book. And the Roundhouse? The S***house we call it in our house. Very much an 'arts' centre and reflected in the assembled. And what's with no support band? Tight? (sorry), or an oversight? Alan Magee on the decks does not cut it. And finally, fine if Mac has a sicknote, but 16 songs is not a hard days night in any shape or form.

But everything else was fine. Thought the band were excellent. Could someone share the joke about Jan Molby and any other missives? Got that Gene Vincent was a miserable git which was funny for no reason at all.