Echo & the Bunnymen’s Deep Ties with Brazil and Covers of Iconic Tracks
After over forty years, describing Echo & the Bunnymen as just a post-punk staple seems inadequate. Making their seventh appearance in Brazil on April 25th as a highlight of the Somos Rock event at Arena Anhembi, the band’s journey has been anything but ordinary.
Originating during a time when change was in the air, the era when rebellion gave way to introspection, and punk aesthetics shifted to a more subdued style, Echo & the Bunnymen took hold of a Roland TR-66 drum machine affectionately named ‘Echo.’ This simple coincidence led to the band’s iconic name, setting the stage for their enduring legacy. As they evolved, their signature sound began to blend into mainstream appeal. Their 1987 self-titled album, despite drawing mixed reviews from critics, boasts one of their most popular hits, “Lips Like Sugar.”
Their initial foray into Brazil marked a significant milestone, not only with a concert that still garners praise, but also with the filming of their promotional video for “The Game” amidst the captivating backdrop of Rio de Janeiro, featuring iconic locations like the Arcos da Lapa and the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer.
Reflecting on their past, lead vocalist Ian McCulloch reminisced in a 1999 interview with Folha de S.Paulo about the band’s positive reception during their inaugural visit to Brazil at the peak of their success. McCulloch commended the warmth of Brazilian fans, placing them among the most welcoming in the world, alongside the likes of Scots and Italians. Fast forward to the present, with the band ready to thrill Brazilian audiences for the seventh time, establishing a connection so profound that fans humorously suggest they might as well acquire a Brazilian tax identification number.
Known for their distinctive interpretations of classic songs, the band infuses their live performances with inspired covers seamlessly interwoven with their own material. From a haunting rendition of The Doors’ “People Are Strange” to a reinterpretation of Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” woven into their own “Nothing Lasts Forever,” Echo & the Bunnymen continue to pay homage to musical legends. Notably, their 2026 tour features eclectic pairings like “Villiers Terrace” melded with The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues,” underscoring the band’s artistic range and influences.
Throughout their illustrious career, they have also paid tribute to the likes of Bob Dylan, James Brown, and David Bowie, demonstrating their deep appreciation for music history and a willingness to experiment with their own catalog. With each performance, Echo & the Bunnymen celebrate the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries and speak to the soul.