Will, I’m Mike Mooneys sister, Sally, and I think your guitar made the Bunnymen. Ian is not without personality or talent. He always seemed a bit afraid of me when he called round to my house to see our Mike. You should be proud to have kept it up for so long. Being in a band is not easy. I know because I’ve been in one with our Mike and Greenie. Didn’t last long. But I was pretty shit on the bass. Was good to see you playing with Paul Simpson and our Mike a few years ago. Think it was a venue on Roscoe Lane. You still got it kid. 😎🎸⭐️
Mine is a lovely chap. He used to come and drink tea in my old guitar store, and I was always low key starstruck as I was such a huge fan on his work with Copey. I get why Will feels that way. Unfortunately the best vocalists are always a pain in the arse. That’s usually the magic ingredient. Ya can’t have one without the other
Ian is being even more self destructive by not realizing and appreciating Will's value. Ian may have been a lyrical genius and vocally gifted at one point. However, Will is the true musical genius and soul of the band. He also seems like a together person and his genuineness shines through.
Watching this really broke my heart kind off? 😢. I’ve loved the Bunnymen all my life, I grew up with their music and Will is my favourite guitarist EVER! Not a statement that’s a fact. He is MASSIVELY underrated and deserves a lot more than that. I suppose that’s bands for you but yeah I agree with most people on here. It’s sad to hear. And he is such a lovely guy, at least we’ve got the books and I hope there’s more to come. Think your great Sgt Fuzz. Keep yer chin up. 👍🏻❤️
As an avid and obsessive Bunnymen fan, 40 odd Bunnymen shows deep, brought up on the band, and as a guitarist who’s idolised Will since being a Kid, it breaks my heart that Will feels pushed out of a band he was so pivotal in defining the sound of. Poltergeist were incredible too, and Will’s solo records are sensational. There are a bunch of us who’d give our right arm to play, write, or be produced by Will.
If you ever read these comments Will, I've a confession to make. Back in the day I used to work in a rehearsal studios in Manchester. All the manc bands large and small passed through one or other of the two venues. Prior to that I was a gigging musician (drums & percussion) but somehow ended up working in the studios, and making flight cases, more or less full time, alongside some session stuff. One of the guys who rented a permanent room (lovely bloke name Pat) was working as Will's guitar tech at the time. One day, Pat brought the Vox teardrop in for a 'shampoo' (as he used to call it) and a case refurb. Being an ardent Bunnymen fan from early teens onwards, it was a genuine privilege to see this particular guitar up close and personal.........so.......while I was refurbing the case, I couldn't resist having a little dabble, and spent a few minutes playing a repertoire of iconic Sergeant riffs. Highly unprofessional, I know, but it had to be done. Hope you don't mind! I wouldn't ordinarily mess with anyone's gear as I know it very precious, but this was an opportunity that only comes around once.....or twice
Saw the band tonight in Salt Lake City. I loved it. Will cut loose in the 2nd set with a ton of great moments. The guitar rounds the overall sound as it always has. Loved “The Cutter”. Ian’s voice was not shite …. rough in places, but he delivered well. I couldn’t understand a word of his between song banter but maybe that’s just as well. The entire band had energy and I’ll remember it well. Dysfunction was certainly not evident so I’d say they’re professionals to the core.
McCulloch's arrogance used to be somewhat charming (back in the early days) but it hasn't aged well. He is still spinning the same old yarns (Killing Moon is the greatest song every written etc.) when he should be focusing on creating new songs that are innovative and interesting, like Will's guitar work. It must be tough for Will be around such a narcissist as McCulloch but he needs to make a living and as he says, he loves playing live. The Bunnymen catalogue would sound pretty shite without Will Sergeant, perhaps someone should remind Ian of this fact.
Couldn't agree more. In my opinion, Will Sergeant IS the band. His guitar playing is inventive, innovative and he's never afraid to be experimental. The Bunnymen sound is Will's guitar playing, Mac can waffle about The Killing Moon as much as he wants, but where would it be without Will's iconic intro and playing, along with Les's bass and Pete's drumming? It's not all about Mac.
Me and a couple of friends bumped into Will after a Bunnymen gig at the Ulster Hall in Belfast in the ‘80’s - he was a nice and super chill guy. For me Will is The Bunnymen.
1985. Ocean Rain tour. I was 15 yrs old and it was my first REAL concert. I walk into the arena and see Sergeant down on the stage - hunched over in the dry ice - wailing away on guitar. It was a transcendent experience.
Will really is a rare diamond. I hope he knows how many people are in his corner and would follow him whatever he did. I love both the books he’s written (hopefully more to come), his art and collages are brilliant. And alongside that, I also think his Space Junk radio is a brilliant listen. Keep doing what you want Will, as long as it’s something. 👍🏻
Will Sergeant IS the Bunnymen. He's the one that kept things going when Mac quit in the 80s. OK so Reverberation may not be anyone's favourite Bunnymen album, but it's a shitload better than any of Mac's solo records, and so is the Electrafixion album.
I once worked for a music company that hired recording gear out to artists and labels, mics, pre-amps, pro tools etc. on one occasion I delivered some gear to the bunnymens rehearsal room in Liverpool. Will was there, very polite and helpful, when I asked him where he wanted the kit set up. Fast forward a couple of years and I was delivering some recording gear to a studio in Runcorn, or Widnes, can’t remember. Ian McCulloch was in there recording overdubs on a live recording. He was wearing shades and a long trench coat. When the appropriate moment came to let them know I was ready to set things up, McCulloch went into this hissy fit, for no reason, and stormed out of the control room. I apologised to the engineer, if I’d done something wrong. He said don’t worry mate, it’s not you, its what he’s like. The tape op helped me out with some gear I was collecting and just kept saying what a nightmare McCulloch was. In short he acted like a complete arse.
@@smalltown2223dude is a STAR, oozing charm on stage!!! Star! I don’t mean he is more important than the others in the band, it’s a band & each og member is an irreplaceable part.
@@smalltown2223 His voice was astonishing the first 7 years or so. The lyrics very original, highly poetic. He brought a deeply artistic vision to the 80's, influencing the 90's too. A brilliant artist until the cigs, etc. took their toll.
ian's voice blows now and i won't go to an echo show again-i gave away tickets to their show in philadelphia 2022. also, ian brought it onto himself with ciggies and booze. maybe he should've consulted rob halford regarding voice preservation-if your job is singing then do what's right for keeping healthy. will's guitar riffs are great and will stand the test of time he's down to earth classy and seems like a good dude. keep up with whatever makes u happy will-there's no manual to life!
Utter class, one off the best interviews I have heard in years. Will is a true gentleman. Looks amazing for 65. Shame about Mac. Will’s honesty is commendable. Brilliant
"He's bit of a turd isnt he?" hahahaha all hail Will Seargent. What a cool dude and amazing talent. Thanks for the interview. You cant and shouldnt idolize anyone it just goes to show ya.
It's all very sad. Mac seems to have become bitter and twisted and - thank goodness - Will isn't. The Bunnymen can still deliver GREAT gigs (I have seen 4 since February 2022) but between Ian's voice and his back his health really isn't good and I wonder if he's almost taking the frustration and pain out on Will a bit. Will was always the heart and soul of the band. It's great to hear that Will's taking his health seriously and has lots of other creative outputs. Both books are excellent - roll on part 3......and 5 ....and 5 too!
18:17 Will mentions Paul Simpson’s book, The Revolutionary Spirit. I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone who has any interest in the Liverpool post punk scene or the Bunnymen. Lots of Bunnymen anecdotes that Paul can share where others perhaps wouldn’t. He was great friends with Pete de Freitas too, and Pete features in several parts of the book. And it’s just so beautifully written and often hilarious
Despite his amazing voice, McCulloch's ego and alcoholism must be terrible to deal with. Sergeant's already gone above and beyond. Walking away is probably the best thing he can do, unfortunately.
LSD.. I've dealt with the same thing. Ego, alcoholism and narcissism caused my band to implode. Still bothers me quite a bit when I think of it so, I try not to...
“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side.” Hunter S Thompson.
fuck Hunter, total PHONY, he was not anti establishment, he literally was the MAN as in State sponsored. He never really said shit, no truth to power, State propaganda like the hells angels garbage. mileswmathis.com/hunter.pdf
I really enjoyed the first book and am looking forward to the second one. I love sci-fi. I'd love to read the sci-fi story. This interview is heartbreaking. Will is a legend and such a sweetheart. Ian is victim of his own former greatness. It's a hard thing to say as a diehard fan but it's the truth.
As one of those obsessed Bunnymen fans, Will is just as much of an integral part of the band as Ian.He's definitely not just "the guitarist".Ian might be the voice of the band but he is definitely the sound of the band.This interview made me kind of sad.
Never has there been a case where if the person who thinks by talking so much he would bedazzle everyone and everything and the other kept his mouth shut and let the Art do the talking HURT the whole ùnìverse.If Ian had just let his look persona and the untouchable brilliance of the live shows and 3 albums they would be in their own Pantheon
I kind of wish the band had finished it all when they first split in the late 80's. It would have been a glorious decade of music that they left behind. Mac would have gone on to do his own thing and I always felt Will would have gone on to do much more experimental rock type stuff and he would have been young enough to embrace a whole new musical career. Almost in the same way that Johnny Marr did.
I was just thinking, "What if I was still working with the same guys I had in my first job when I was 20?" I can't imagine it, especially if one of them was a substance-abusing narcissist. The only way I could do it was if the money was there, and that's what it is for Will I guess. He basically runs the band, Mac doesn't even soundcheck and I don't think he even rehearses beforehand. He just walks on stage and attempts to sing and then leaves. So it's probably just a bit awkward for Will at times, but that's what managers are for...Anyways, I have wished for years that they would just hang it up. Looks like they're going to keep going until one of them can't get on stage anymore.
A Great respect for Will Sergant. He makes the most atmosferic sounds of the music. And yes I also loved Poldergeist. So sad this story. Once I also was an obsessed fan of Echo and the Bunnymen. Till I saw Mac in person and yes he was agressive. For Will this is a problem working together and what can you do at 65 years. Hope he will still make in a way or another some good new music.🖤
And I do think if Les was still in the band Will would have more of a say in songwriting to be honest? With it only being Mac n Will I can see where he’s coming from. It’s a great shame. I’m sure he still has much more to offer than just “the guitarist “.
Long term Bunnymen fan here. Fist gig 1979 as a 15yo and seen them more than any other band.. Mac 's a twat. Has been for years. He doesn't even have his voice to fall back on now. I loved him as a kid but he's pitiful now. It's sad that Will, top man, is stuck in an abusive relationship with this ageing ridiculous frontman but can't affod to leave because it's his income. I know who's happier though and who I'd prefer to have a pint with.
It was the guitar that drew me to the bunnymen , I’ll speak for my mates here too, Wills chords licks & melody’s or wiggle bits as Ian calls them , played on telecasters are signature to their best material.
As a Fan Of Multiple Post Punk Bands from England especially, the common thread is They all started as kids, then exploded "fame wise" when they were still young, and if they are still together as a band, it's like an estranged family, they've been together for sooo long that eventually they kinda dislike each other more than love each other. This is unfortunately true for many of these post punk bands. And now they're all Over 65, and it they're still playing Live, and Fans like Us ADORE them for touring, but to know what they go thru to entertain us, makes me live them more. I've seen E&B 4xs in all in the 80s (Oakland, CA., and San Francisco, CA.), and I just bought tix to the 2024 show in SF, 🖤🖤 THANK YOU Will & Ian for sticking together, For US. 🖤🖤
Recently attended 2 bunnymen gigs and will sergeant's guitar playing was superb.as for McCulloch,he came across as a drunken twat,arguing with the audience, berating band members and rambling incoherent stuff between songs.no wonder the rest of the band dislike him
Agreed pal seen them last night in lpool ,,will was on fire 👌👌 could not understand a word Ian was saying on the mic when interacting with crowd was cringe
Apparently this exact same MO happened in venues upon the recent US tour, my concert mate was not pleased. There is something up with this but don't know who his friends are, what support he has if any, if he wants it, it is there, but doesn't look like he wants it.
You can see that Will is really bothered by the situation. He manages to draw red lines early on in interviews on this topic but credit to James, he saw an opening and plainly put it to Will - at which point Will had to answer. The last few Bunnymen albums have been awful without Will.
@@spoookmagazine will got caught off guard - Will doesn't normally talk to these younger more unaware journalists, he usually talks to more learned people who respect him and just don't go there because they know he's 65 with his whole life behind him - they know its a boxed in question so why go there and get him down about it.
Mac is NOT the voice/mouth he used to be by any measure and if he thinks HE alone is The Bunnyman he's even more deluded than he used to be. Will is The Sound of what's left after Les had to bail out, and to me one of our National Treasures - that he feels marginalised by Mac in his own bloody band is heartbreaking. Try flogging anything without Will and see how that goes Mac!
It's good Will still has the energy to deal with the vinyl hassle. Being 72 I got rid of all me vinyl ,having all my music on the hard drive ,which is a godsend for lazy old buggers.
The truth is a great thing. To tell it and to face it allows you to work through any problem and keep your feet firmly on the ground and be the real you -- which is the greatest thing a person can be. :0)
Sometimes many of us music fans we don’t have a clue that our music heroes can be difficult human beings. I have always loved Echo & The Bunnymen. It would be so cool to meet Ian needlessly to say I have already met Will Sergeant in Liverpool some 16 years ago before the gig. Will chatted with me, he is a wonderful person, he’s very chilled, and friendly. Many years later Ian McCulloch played a solo acoustic gig in Leeds I was there so close to the stage. Interestingly before the gig I tried to ask backstage if I could meet Ian. One guy told me it’s not easy to approach Ian because he’s a bit moody. So I gave up and waited for the gig to start. After the gig started Ian played a few songs then suddenly he stopped and told one female fan to leave venue and go outside because her voice was too loud. The audience reacted saying woooo in shock of Ian’s attitude. I felt sick with his attitude . I almost left the gig and I stopped listening to Echo &The Bunnymen for a few years because of what I witnessed Ian McCulloch’s behaviour towards a fan. I also love the Smiths but at least over the years those fans that have managed to invade the stage to hug Morrissey and it appears he does not do anything despite being another moody musician. I have never seen any fan trying to hug Ian McCulloch on the state, chances are any fan could even be bunched by Ian. You never know
bit of Electra-friction going on between Mac and Will. Why is Mac such a helm? Every time I see Mac interviewed I can't understand a fucking word he says. He's either pissed or high as a kite... or both.
Sad that Will is too tired to deal with Mac and just content himself with the idea to simply 'get on with it' i dunno i might be too naive but i feel 45 years being together, man(!) -- nothing that can't be sorted with a pint. If Will doesn't care anymore and Ian is just dialing it in -- wth are they doing going around playing all these great music? I shudder to think its all about the money for them now.
They're incredibly different people - I've met them and can attest to that. I think the differences between them make getting on together very challenging. Will is very down to earth, and Mac is kind of self centered and also self destructive, and they're kind of like oil and water. I hope Will does whatever he needs to do to take care of himself, that's all that matters, imho.
They are making a living. That’s the reality. They didn’t make any money in the 80s. I’ve heard Will say about the Mac situation that he doesn’t care because the band allows him to do all the other stuff he likes to do with his life these days.
I know I'll take some shit for this but Mac's voice has turned to crap. It appears that all Mac's about is cashing in old glories, which is fine - I guess.
I went to Electrifixion late 95. End of show I moved closer to stage so I could watch Will. Didn’t have a clear view & it was not Will playing. He had flown home to his mother who was dying. It was the guy from the opening group filling in.
I was a fan of the Bunnymen before I knew what they looked like and one summer at Great Adventure I saw a Songs to Learn and Sing shirt which has Will at the front of the line. Even though they are in silhouette, Will and Ian are very distinct, so I assumed that Will was the voice I’d come to know as Echo (hey, I was young!). Eventually it would be sorted out, but it gave me a disproportionate admiration for Will because of the mix up- again, I was young, so in those days, the vocalist was the band. The Bunnymen were the first time I started to question that. Anyway, I’ve met Will and Les and Ian, and Will was an absolute sweetheart. Les was… less so. Ian, at the time (Electrafixion days) was still cool to fans. Unfortunately that would not last. My last few experiences with Ian have been abysmal. I can’t recall the last stellar performance they put on, but I’m talking shows where Ian can’t even speak. Just a hot mess. And nasty as all hell. To the point where the last show he mouthed off to a friend of mine who has since passed and now I hate Ian. As far as I’m concerned, the Bunnymen are a nostalgia act. Ignoring a bull of their great latter day material to just rehash the same 3 albums- and Heaven Up Here is their best album, so I shouldn’t mind… but I do. I’ve seen it all performed multiple times. I want to see The Fountain material or Siberia or WaYGtdwYL?… or Porcupine! anything other than Crocodiles, Ocean Rain and Heaven Up Here.
God spare us from The Fountain. For me that was when Ian lost it as a songwriter. The great "In the Margins" would not go amiss or "SuperMellowMan" from Flowers, but what I really want to hear are the rarities such as Fuel, Broke My Neck, Lowdown, Timebomb, In Bluer Skies, No Dark Things and the Burke era Flaming Red. If he cant reach the notes perhaps he need to swallow his pride and get Noel Burke on board. WaYGtdwYL was depressing as well, though not as bad as "The Fountain"
will is a musical innovator and used the guitar as a tool to sculpt these timeless tunes. the textures he provides on any of the first four lp's are groundbreaking, unlike anything you were hearing at that time. the nuances he offered to their sound are the enduring legacy of the band's identity, will's a total one off and i place him in the same class as marr, vini reilly or james honeyman-scott.
He has a totally unique sound that is unlike any other guitarist, ever. I love his artistry and the Bunnymen would not have been as great as they were without him. He's super talented, imho.
yes, the drums & bass being as authoritative as they were gave Will all freedom. They all invoked each other. The original line ups are divine intervention.
@@MothGirl007 Plenty of guitarist took their inspiration from Will in the 80ties.And onwards. Possibly to Johnny Marr as we know him without Pete's sound. And economics of playing; never a superflous note from Will....
Let's be honest, Ian's been writing the same cliché pop song for the last 25 years. Long gone are the noir journeys.. into the shimmering crystal narnia. Will's guitar work is the only remaining vestige of a 'band' that's lost the spirit
The band's first four albums were astonishing achievements, but from 'Evergreen' on, they seem to have been coasting along recording same-sounding mid-tempo dad-rockers. Will's guitar playing aside, their muse has obviously long deserted them. Let's just be grateful for that early back catalogue.
Yes it’s true. I love them to pieces but really haven’t bothered with anything after ocean rain. Electrafixion was great. Would have loved to see more in that direction, and I think it’s pretty obvious that Will has been sidelined for some time.
I wish Will would do more solo stuff, maybe work with Paul Simmo again, and forget working with gobshite. Siberia was the last good thing they did together. Mac sing like an angel? Come on. He hasn't sung like an angel since 1992.
without mac's drive the bunnymen wouldn't have become as big as they were. sounds like will is realising this, too late. i guess there will be no new albums, even if they played new songs on the last tour?
It all went downhill for me when Ian turned into a swaggering Gallagher twat wannabe some time ago, instead of the enigmatic, dark and ethereal poet god he once was. Will, though, has always been cool.
bunnymen should have packed it in after pete died. now it’s just a nostalgia act that pays the mortgage. he and ian have to put up with each other in order to make a living. also, mcculloch doesn’t sound like an angel, he sounds like a frog that’s smoked way too much over the last 50 years.
It’s like 45 years of a marriage I guess, the things you used to tolerate become tedious and you drift apart if nothing changes. It’s the magic of the first 5 or 6 years that keeps you together, when really it’s time to let go. There’s always going to be one who thinks they are the band, bigger than the band even, you have to leave them to it, let them wallow in the tedious never ending arrogance
Mac doesn't really care about the Bunnymen's legacy. Working with tossers associated with McFly, Fun Loving Criminals or Coldplay?...Will is better off out of it.
Re 26:13 al magickal music- making is a Mystical journey ... But it must be clear to any Bardic band that travelling through the SpiritOfNature"GENERATIVEPOWERS "is A perilous adventure ... The Only Guide there is friendship /kindness/love....the things That Matter keep us successful and safe. Let the music be that which" rescues" our sacred connection beyond Stupid Separations
1984 York Rock Fest at the Race Course some one spat at Ian and he went for em with the mic stand. As the mic was turned on you heard it hit ......booiiiing. Think he got charged for that "aggravated assault"
Just saw ECHO last night in Toronto, Sorry but Macs behaviour was intolerably rude, was cursing at people in the audience, he can't really sing (until the lips like sugar, an encore, that was pretty good, and the lou reed tribute was nice) and appeared totally ripped drunk. The band deserves better, and should get a replacement singer IMO. I love steve perry but when Journey changed singers they also sound great with pinel arneda. But I can emphathize with Ian, starting a new band takes loads of time, and at 65 time is too precious. Good luck with you Ian, you held up your end of the rope for 40 years.
Don't know what you 'guys' are on about here. Just saw them and SF and it was fantastic! He was pitch perfect, no struggle whatsoever. Super high notes he takes a bit lower, but that is to be expected. NO one has the same vocal past age 50 that they once had, smoker or not! Mac took full advantage of his vocal creating songs for that extreme & powerful vocal that is what put him on the map for me, plus their sound etc. No one could cover their songs and pretend to sound like him even now. If he is temperamental here and there, so what? Morrisonesque, you did not know exactly what antics you might see with him they said. He was accused of being drunk, rambling on stage etc. Will 'sounded' amazing, uh, jolly Will plays great but doesn't sing. Mac created songs without having backing vocals, he has to endure the vocal strain, (which singing is). Anyone try singing one full song at home and see how your throat feels. Singing is a strain make no mistake.
If i was will i'd tell mcculloch to shove it. I appreciate he probably enjoys the live shows and maybe they earn a few bob etc, but without will, it is not the bunnymen, and if the singer went out on tour without will and called it echo and the bunnymen, then (hopefully) people would not stand for it. And how many people are gonna go out and see ian mcculloch solo shows ?? Not nearly as many.
I’m jumbled up……. Maybe I’m losing my touch. Mac is finished. Forget songs to learn and sing. All he has is towels to roll up and kick. Maybe that’s what he should have called the tour
