Ian McCulloch has been working on his new fourth album, the follow-up to 2003’s 'Slideling’, with producer Rupert Christie in Liverpool and Henley ahead of an expected spring release.  The Echo and the Bunnymen lead singer will also be joined on stage by Ian Broudie from The Lightening Seeds and who also produced past Bunnymen albums, to perform a selection of new material and old favourites.

The newly refurbished Epstein Theatre (formerly The Neptune) in Liverpool City Centre has recently undergone a 1m refurbishment and will officially open its doors to a VIP opening on 9^thMay, following a management contract win by the organisers of the annual Liverpool Sound City music festival.  Liverpool born Ian McCulloch will be the first official act to perform at the 350 seat theatre.

Ian McCulloch said “It’s an honour to be asked to open the venue named after Brian Epstein. The new album is one of the greatest things I’ve ever done. I’m looking forward to playing the new songs in Liverpool for the first time.”

Dave Pichiling Liverpool Sound City CEO said “We are delighted to have Ian McCulloch for the official opening of the Epstein Theatre.  Ian is a legendary international artist.  Throughout his illustrious career both as a solo artist and with Echo and the Bunnymen he has always kept intact his credibility and integrity.”

The Epstein Theatre’s General Manager Christine Spriggs added “We couldn’t be more thrilled that the first show at our beautiful new theatre is an evening with Ian McCulloch. He is iconic and we believe the new Epstein Theatre is iconic too!”

SEATED TICKETS ONLY - STRICTLY LIMITED TO 350 PER SHOW!

HOW TO BOOK:

ONLINE AT TICKETWEB 

Thursday 10th May (Liverpool)

Friday 11th May (Liverpool)

The Epstein Theatre (formerly known as The Neptune) was originally opened as Crane’s Music Hall in 1911, and was a popular location for recitals and performances.  It was renamed Crane Theatre in 1938. In 1967 the theatre was purchased from the Cranes by Liverpool Corporation, who decided that the theatre should be run by local people for local people and was named The Neptune Theatre. The Neptune also became a comedy club and after many years of uncertainty about the future of the theatre, it eventually closed in 2005.  In July 2011, a £1million refurbishment of the theatre was completed which saw the Hanover Street venue brought up to 21^st century standards and renamed ‘The Epstein Theatre’ in honour of former Beatles manager Brian Epstein, who guided the Fab Four from popular cellar act to global superstardom.  The management contract was up for tender and was won by the team behind Liverpool’s successful annual Sound City Music Festival. The Sound City team plan to use the building to showcase cutting edge art and pop culture events ranging from drama productions to art exhibitions, and also aim to ensure the Epstein can be utilised by community groups from across the city.  The Theatre is officially opened on Wednesday 9^th May 2012.