Richard Butler, lead singer of the Psychedelic Furs
Psychedelic Furs
I am not sure when or indeed if the Psychedelic Furs have played in Brighton before, and judging how well they went down in Brighton at Concorde 2, they should not leave it so long before they return to grace a live stage down on the south coast!
I think these days the band play in the USA, as this is where members, brothers Richard and Tim Butler, are based.
It was a real surprise that a chance to see the Furs arose as they returned home to the UK, playing all of their 1979 – 1991 single releases. This was named “The Singles Tour” after all! The Furs attracted a full house at Concorde 2 on a wet and cold evening. The crowd was a good one who enjoyed the set from the get go.
If you sit and talk to many of the alternative rock artists dominating today’s music, you’ll find that many of them pay homage to the The Psychedelic Furs. Led by front man and songwriter Richard Butler, the Furs won over fans and critics alike by combining poetic lyrics, innovative rhythms and melodies driven by an aggressive, punk desperation. Through it all, the band scored major hits with “Love My Way,” “Pretty In Pink,” “Heaven,” “The Ghost In You,” and “Heartbreak Beat” in all releasing seven studio albums and spawning several compilations, a boxed set, and a live concert DVD.
The Psychedelic Furs came together in England’s emerging punk scene in 1977 initially consisting of Richard Butler (vocals), Tim Butler (bass guitar), Paul Wilson (drums), Duncan Kilburn (saxophone), and Roger Morris (guitars). By 1979, this line up had expanded to a sextet with Vince Ely replacing Wilson on drums and John Ashton being added on guitar.
Tim Butler (bass guitar)
Opening up in Brighton the band started up with Dumb Waiters, and the opening included The Furs first single We Love You and Love My Way. Hang on! four songs in and we get the bands most recognisible song – Pretty In Pink. That is early in a set and usually a prime choice for an encore or last song of the night slot. But, the band had warmed up the crowd to such an extent that the initial blast of sax, the familiar opening chords and riffs had the crowd dancing in the palm of their hand! They loved it. The crowd, and the band, were in a good place both seemingly lifted by each other. A good slot for the song as it turns out as it shows the strength of all of their material, how well their material is known and these guys know their crowd. I really don’t think the crowd would have minded hearing it a second time – it was THAT good.
The Band
Richard Butler: vocals
Tim Butler: bass
Paul Garisto: drums
Rich Good: guitar
Amanda Kramer: keyboard
Mars Williams: sax
I have to say that throughout the entire set, the Furs looked as if they were having a great time up there, an almost party atmosphere. Singer Richard Butler covered every inch of the stage making sure everyone could see him, and I think so he could see everyone in the packed out Concorde 2! Leaning into the crowd, hitting a pose or two for the crowd and gliding over to the rest of the band, and at one stage throwing his arm around his brother. Bassist Tim Butler and saxophonist Mars Williams were also all over the stage. It was tricky to keep up with them at times! and Tim leaned out providing a straight down the lens shot!
The latest version of The Furs just look and sound fabulous. They present a faultless six band member line up creating a swelling wave of sound all topped off with the instantly recognisible vocals and sound of Richard. The guys are masters of what they do.
All the favorites were played for the Brighton crowd, the set continuing and including Mr Jones, Heartbreak Beat, Heaven, India and so many more. What a set, what a performance and hell, what a show! When and if the Furs come back to play, just make sure to get your tickets early, because The Psychedelic Furs are one of the hottest shows in town and you really do not want to miss these guys.
The tour consisted of 9 dates, and Brighton was lucky to see The Furs stop off for a visit. Just great! Come back soon – we’d love to see you play again!
The Psychedelic Furs are on the WWW
Promotion: AEG
Venue: Concorde 2
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