Preston band The Amber List are launching a new side project with a fellow musician and friend, thanks to a shared love of Echo and The Bunnymen.

Members Mick Shepherd, Tony Cornwell and Simon Dewhurst are teaming up with Scott Carey to play as Echoes of The Bunnymen for the first time at The Continental this weekend.

The Amber List are known in the city for their classic indie, guitar-driven music, which is often likened to the Bunnymen, plus The Smiths and REM.

The new direction for the band came about following an idea from Scott, as Mick told Blog Preston.

“The Echoes project has come together following a suggestion by Scott, who knew The Amber List and felt our (Bunnymen influenced) sound would make such a venture possible and enjoyable.

“Scott joined The Amber List on stage at a couple of gig to play a few Bunnymen songs and the reaction was vey positive, which spurred us on to create the whole show.”

“It will feature some of the best tracks from the original line up’s amazing run of albums, played by musicians who are huge fans of the Bunnymen, who are trying to authentically recreate the early sound of one of the UK’s best-ever indie bands.

“It’s not a traditional tribute act, no dressing up – just a love and appreciation of iconic music and long live the real thing.”

Read more: Preston musician Reg Kielty holding prostate cancer charity gig after own diagnosis

Adding to the night at the Conti will be five DJs helping to celebrate bands of the 1980s.

“The Conti show is special as we have DJs from the Raiders nightclub that many will be familiar with as the top 80s indie club in Preston,” said Mick.

“The gig will not only celebrate Echo and The Bunnymen but also some great tunes from other bands of the era. It promises to be a very special night.”

The Amber List are currently working on their second album following a successful debut and a number of EPs released over the last few years to wide acclaim.

The trio are made up of Mick (bass, vocals) Tony (guitars, backing vocals) and Simon (drums, backing vocals). Meanwhile Echoes addition Scott has played in many bands over the years, most notably Paris Angels, Weat on Colfax and Greenhorses. 

Offers to perform as Echoes of The Bunnymen have already come in, and the group will play Manchester and Stockport in the autumn.

Echoes of The Bunnymen will perform at The Conti on Saturday 10 August. Tickets are available from Skiddle.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See more of what’s on in Preston

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.