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Echo & the Bunnymen are an influential English post-punk band formed in Liverpool in 1978, renowned for their atmospheric sound, poetic lyrics, and the distinctive baritone vocals of frontman Ian McCulloch. Formed in Liverpool, England, in 1978 by vocalist Ian McCulloch, guitarist Will Sergeant, bassist Les Pattinson, and initially featuring a drum machine (the 'Echo'), later replaced by drummer Pete de Freitas. They became a defining band of the post-punk and neo-psychedelia movements of the 1980s, releasing critically acclaimed albums like 'Crocodiles' (1980), 'Heaven Up Here' (1981), 'Porcupine' (1983), and their commercial peak 'Ocean Rain' (1984). The band experienced a hiatus after de Freitas's death in 1989 and McCulloch's departure for a solo career, but reformed in the mid-1990s and have continued recording and touring with various line-up changes since.

• The band's original 'drummer' was a drum machine, humorously nicknamed 'Echo', which inspired their name. Pete de Freitas joined as a permanent human drummer in 1980.
• The band faced tragedy when drummer Pete de Freitas was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1989. This, coupled with internal tensions, led to Ian McCulloch leaving later that year and the band's initial dissolution.
• Frontman Ian McCulloch underwent major vocal cord surgery in 1999, raising concerns about his ability to continue singing. He recovered successfully.
• Despite lineup changes (Les Pattinson left in 1998, McCulloch and Sergeant remain the core), the band reformed in 1997 and has remained active, releasing new albums and touring consistently, maintaining a devoted cult following.