Born on 5 May: Ian McCulloch, the distinctive voice of Echo and the Bunnymen

The charismatic singer with his distinctive hairstyle was born in 1959 in Liverpool (naturally). He celebrates his 66th birthday today.

Since the 60s, notably with the Beatles, Liverpool has played a major role in the English music scene. From Frankie Goes To Hollywood to Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, from Teardrop Explodes to the Pale Fountains, from the Christians to the La's, from Dead or Alive to China Crisis, from Gerry and The Pacemakers to Big in Japan, and from the Boo Radleys to The Coral, the artists and bands that have emerged from the banks of the River Mersey are numerous.

On tour in Europe last year to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the album "Ocean Rain" (arguably their best), Echo & The Bunnymen is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic bands from the port city.

With relative discretion, McCulloch has also recorded four solo albums since 1992. On these, violins occasionally accompany the guitar beautifully, while at other times, there's a clear melodic affinity with New Order. His last personal work, "Pro Patria Mori", dates back to 2012...

Football fans will also remember that he contributed to the recording of "(How Does It Feel To Be) On Top Of The World" (with notably Johnny Marr), the anthem - of extreme humility as the title suggests - for the 1998 World Cup. A great supporter of Liverpool FC and an amateur player when the opportunity arises, McCulloch also revisited the experience by recording "Ring Of Fire" by Johnny Cash in honour of his favourite team.

(MH with Stéphane Soupart - Photo: © Etienne Tordoir)

Caption: Ian McCulloch of Echo & The Bunnymen in an interview at the Ultieme Hallucinatie in Brussels (Belgium) on 16 June 1987