Echo And The Bunnymen - London Riverside Studios, 8/3/2003

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 13 / 3 / 2003

intro

At the recording of the first episode for the second series of music show 'Re : Covered', Anthony Strutt is shunted from pillar to post, but enjoy short sets from Ian McCulloch, Athlete and new girl singer Harry

‘Re : Covered’ for those who have not seen it is a T.V. show that is broadcast on the BBC. This was the first episode for a second series, which will be shown on BBC3 in early April. As the programme is called ‘Re : covered’ you have probably got the general idea of what the show is about already. At least one song performed by each guest must be a cover version. I am here to see my first solo Ian ‘Mac’ McCulloch performance since the Echo and the Bunnymen's ‘Mysterio’ shows back in ‘92. After being left in the bar for about an hour, we are ushered onto the set at London's Riverside Studios where the programme is being recorded, which are just to the back of the new Carling Apollo, which was formerly the Hammersmith Odeon. Quite a few Bunnymen fans have made the effort, but we are not told who the other two bands are, until we are shown into the studio. When we are ushered in, we are told a lot of rules. This is T.V., so no smoking, no drinking, no cameras, no mobile phones and no leaving. We are also told that we will be used as sheep for each song that is recorded. Each band will perform 2 songs each, twice for the cameras to intercut, so for every song you have to go mad. Fine if you like the band, but if not stand to the side. I have followed Mac’s career since 1983, so I knew even before he came on that he anyway wouldn’t disappoint me . When he comes on, he looks absolutely great, and it is a total joy to see stuck in his hand a guitar , which is what us Bunnies fans have missed most from the Bunnymen reunion shows. Within a few seconds, he and his band, which features the Bunnymen’s Peter Wilkinson, have my feet moving and going mad as they thrash out the Velvet Underground’s 'Waiting for My Man’, which is even better than the original. After a few minutes, this is repeated and then Mac is interviewed. He then returns to the stage to deliver his new single ‘Sliding’, from his forthcoming new solo album, ‘Slideling’, which, while not instantly catchy, does grow on you. We then get moved to the opposite stage to witness Greenwich’s Athlete run through Prince’s ‘Kiss’ and their own ‘Rockscene’. Third on the bill to me was Harry, a new name to me, but what a stunner. Very much the new Deborah Harry in looks and style, she served up Belouis Some’s 'Imagination’ and Blondie’s ‘One Way or Another’’. It takes about 3 hours to film 6 songs and 3 interviews. The studio is full of babes, all looking good because they are going to be on the telly. The music is loud, but the studio is small and the lights bright, so by the end I do have a headache. It has, however, been definitely worthwhile.

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