Back At It: The Psychedelic Furs Play the Belasco

The Psychedelic Furs performing at the Belasco Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

QUICK LA STOP BEFORE HEADING TO AUSTRALIA ON “MADE OF RAIN” TOUR

After catching legendary 80s rock band The Psychedelic Furs perform a grand set at the new wave/synth focused Goldenvoice festival Cruel World earlier this year, I was disappointed I wasn’t able to bring my camera in and document the moment. The band hadn’t lost touch with their audience, sounding pitch perfect for the classics as well as a new album which should have failed given how harsh it is for bands to produce new music in this climate, but actually fit right into their catalogue. When I found out they were returning months later with punk icons X, I was eager to redeem myself. However, that show came and went with no invitation, but shockingly, an almost random gig in downtown Los Angeles appeared and MMC* was on the list.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs performing at the Belasco Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

My introduction with the Furs probably dates back further than I can recall, but what comes to mind clearly is the opening scene to 80s cult classic and one of my mom’s favorite films, Pretty in Pink. The song of the same name plays out as Molly Ringwald’s character gets ready for school and her Harry Dean Stanton performed father gets home from work. After then, I would hear other tracks like “The Ghost in You” and “Heaven” on Jack FM, a popular throwback radio station here in Los Angeles. Hearing those songs live a decade later made it that more special, also considering how fond of them my mom was.

The Belasco Theatre is one of my favorites due to its intimate space and decently sized photo pit that places photographers right in front of the action without being a bother to the fans hanging on the railing. I arrived to a large crowd giving props to opener Dear Boy before the stage hands set up the room for the headliner. There’s no way to approach the photo pit without going through the audience, so I started making my way, listening to random strangers talk of their praise for the Furs as well as other acts like Interpol (nice) and Morrissey. As the clock hit 9:15PM, myself and another photographer were escorted into the pit but not even two seconds in, one of the band’s representatives shouted “no, no, no, no pit access,” which got us removed. Usually a head’s up is provided, but not this time which came to the shock of us. The lights quickly went out and the band took the stage so I turned on my camera and dove into the crowd.

The Psychedelic Furs performing at the Belasco Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

The Psychedelic Furs stuck to a similar set list from their prior LA show, with my and pretty much the entire audience having no issue with. Singer Richard Butler, last to arrive, greeted the crowd with a boyish smile, as if he was in love for the first time. “Hello,” he shouted before “Love My Way” kicked out the performance. Butler and bassist (also brother) Tim Butler took turns walking to the outer corners of the stage, getting up close for deliveries of notes. Pink and yellow lights flooded the cityscape backdrop when I climbed to the balcony to get a few angles of the entire stage. The band looked joyous as could be, with the theater offering an intimate gathering. Popular hits like “The Ghost in You” and “Heaven” got fans singing every word during the normal set.

After about 14 songs in, the band left then returned for the encore. Richard Butler kept looking into the crowd like he was in a trance, refusing to believe what he was experiencing. He placed his hand on his cheek in a “come on now,” fashion, expressing his school boy enthusiasm which was infectious. The Furs showed their gratitude then cracked into “Heartbreak Beat,” arguably my favorite track of theirs and ending strong with debut album cut “India.” I wish I could have experienced the first three tracks in the photo pit, but what I did see was the next best thing: The Psychedelic Furs, a band of the 80s, being appreciated and celebrated decades later for both new and classic songs.

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!