True eighties fans came out in force Friday night, braving the flash flood warnings to see one of the 80’s more influential bands, The Psychedelic Furs, at Warehouse Live. “Come rain or shine the show must go on.” It certainly did!

First formed in 1978, The Psychedelic Furs have not put out an album in almost 18 years, but unlike many of the “reunion” tours you see around these days, The Psychedelic Furs never really broke up or stopped being a solid musical interest. This was not a show to reveal new Furs , but a performance of hits and album tracks from the past that gave longtime fans and new enthusiasts a chance to taste the brilliance of the group, almost as if it was the heyday for the Furs, which was the 80’s.

The Psychedelic Furs are composed of the two founding members, singer and front man Richard Butler and brother/bassist, Tim Butler, plus original member, Mars Williams, who was absolutely brilliant on saxophone. The band also includes keyboardist Amanda Kramer, formerly of Information Society, who has been with the band since 2003, Rich Good on guitar joined the Furs in 2005, and Paul Garisto playing drums.

The Psychedelic Furs hit the stage and immediately launched into “Love My Way”, with the rest of the set kind of going like this: Richard Butler twirled around, snapping his fingers and singing so solid you thought you were listening to the CD, and did not stop the entire set. Saxophonist Mars Williams blasted out an awesome solo during ”Believe.” Richard and Tim Butler stopping briefly to shake hands with front-stage fans and, of course, throughout the set playing their big hits like “Ghost In You” and “Pretty In Pink.” I have to tell you, this 80’s fan was a little bit star-struck by The Psychedelic Furs, as it has been a decade-plus since I saw them last, and they were bloody awesome.

I also had the pleasure of experiencing for the first time She Wants Revenge. I have to tell you, I am a huge Peter Murphy/Bauhaus fan, and lead vocalist Justin Warfield defiantly reminded me of Peter with his baritone, almost brooding sound. Now mix that with an Interpol style (another one of my favorites) style and some electronic dance rhythms, and BAM! an awesome fresh take on Post-Punk, Dark-wave… I freaking loved it! The band had the crowd singing along to their hit ”Tear You Apart” and hip shaking throughout the entire set. Check She Wants Revenge out on I-Tunes or get a CD. I would say they are “not to be missed,” if you have a chance to catch them live.

Overall, it was a great show at a great venue, which is Warehouse Live. Except for the 40-something drunk pinball-like couple in front of me and my companion that obliviously spilled drinks on everyone around them as they attempted to dance, it was a great concert.

See you at the next show.

For Red Pub
Charles Graham

The Psychedelic Furs Set List:
Love My Way
Believe
Heartbeat
Ghost In You
Like A Stranger
It Goes On
President Gas
In my Head
Sister Europe
She is Mine
Heaven
All This & Nothing
Pretty In Pink

Encore:
No Easy Street
Pyjamarama
Forever Now
India