Echo & the Bunnymen • May 21, 2026 • The Union Events Center
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
For more than four decades, Echo & the Bunnymen have occupied a unique place in alternative rock history. Their music helped define an era while continuing to resonate with generations of fans who discovered the band long after its initial rise to prominence. When the legendary British group brought their “More Songs To Learn & Sing” Tour to the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City, the evening became a celebration of a catalog that has endured through changing musical trends, proving that great songs never lose their power.
Longtime fans mingled with younger attendees who had discovered the band through streaming services and film soundtracks. I have to admit that I was surprised that there were as many young fans as there were. I’m sure some of them were brought by their parents. But others were clearly Echo fans on their own. Conversations throughout the venue reflected the anticipation of hearing songs that have become landmarks of post-punk and alternative rock. By the time I made my way to the photo pit, the crowd was fully invested in what promised to be a nostalgic evening.
As the band emerged on stage, they were greeted with enthusiastic applause that immediately filled the room. The stage setup was simple but effective. The band was backlit for most of the show. The music would be the focal point. Moody lighting washed over the performers, creating the dark, atmospheric aesthetic that has long been associated with the band’s sound. The visual presentation complemented the music without overwhelming it, helping establish the immersive mood that fans expected.
From the opening moments, Echo & the Bunnymen demonstrated why their songs have stood the test of time. The band’s signature blend of shimmering guitars, driving rhythms, and dramatic melodies translated beautifully in a live setting. The sound throughout the venue was rich and expansive, filling every corner of the room while still maintaining enough clarity to appreciate the nuances within each song.
A significant strength of the performance was guitarist Will Sergeant’s unmistakable playing. His textured guitar work remains one of the defining elements of the band’s sound, and throughout the night, he delivered performance after performance that reminded the audience why he is considered one of alternative rock’s most influential musicians. His ability to create atmosphere while simultaneously driving the energy of a song was remarkable to witness in person.
Frontman, Ian McCulloch stayed subdued physically. He didn’t move around a lot. Simply backing away from the mic during instrument solos and occasionally mugging the crowd. His voice and posturing did all the work. There is a presence about him. He didn’t have to do much to draw the audience in. But drawn in they were. I thought that despite the years he has on him, his voice still sounded strong. His Liverpuglian accent was also quite strong. I pride myself on being able to understand what people are saying despite the presence of an accent, and I struggled. Which is too bad for me because, from what I saw, the audience really seemed to enjoy what he was saying the few times he spoke.
The setlist felt carefully designed to honor the band’s extensive career. Familiar favorites generated immediate reactions from the audience, often inspiring loud sing-alongs that echoed throughout the venue. Fans eagerly embraced each recognizable opening riff, creating moments where the crowd became an extension of the performance itself.
One of the evening’s most impressive qualities was how naturally the songs connected. Tracks from different eras of the band’s career blended seamlessly, highlighting the consistency of their songwriting and musical identity. Whether the songs originated in the early years or later periods of their catalog, they shared the same emotional depth and cinematic quality that have always distinguished Echo & the Bunnymen from their peers.
The audience played a major role in the night’s success. Many fans appeared to know every lyric, singing along with enthusiasm and creating a sense of community throughout the venue. There was a genuine appreciation in the room, not just for the music itself but for the opportunity to experience these songs performed by the artists who created them. The crowd’s energy elevated several moments into memorable highlights, transforming the concert from a performance into a shared celebration.
As the show moved toward its conclusion, the energy in the room remained remarkably strong. Rather than showing signs of slowing down, both the band and audience seemed energized by the collective experience. The final stretch of the set delivered some of the evening’s biggest reactions, with fans embracing every note and refusing to let the moment end quietly.
When the final song came to a close, the applause served as a reminder of the band’s enduring impact. Echo & the Bunnymen may have built their reputation decades ago, but their music continues to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Their stop at the Union Event Center showcased not only the strength of their catalog but also the lasting emotional connection fans still feel toward these songs.
In a music industry often focused on what’s new, Echo & the Bunnymen offered something equally valuable: a reminder that timeless music remains timeless for a reason. Their Salt Lake City performance was atmospheric, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying, providing fans with an evening that celebrated both the band’s legacy and the enduring power of great songwriting.