In October 1978, McCulloch founded Echo & the Bunnymen with Will Sergeant (guitar), Les Pattinson (bass), and a drum machine (allegedly named Echo), making their live début at Eric's in November that year. In October 1979, the Bunnymen exchanged the drum machine for Pete de Freitas on drums. With their line up solidified, the Bunnymen played in the late 1970s and early 1980s, releasing their critically praised debut album, "Crocodiles" in 1980, and the heavier, bass-driven "Heaven Up Here" in 1981. They released their third album "Porcupine" in 1983 with the lead single "The Cutter" finishing in the top 10 of the UK charts. "Ocean Rain" followed in 1984. Shortly before the album was released, McCulloch described "Ocean Rain" as "the greatest album ever made." McCulloch later said: "When I sing 'The Killing Moon' I know there isn't a band in the world who's got a song anywhere near that."