Of the 24 concerts lined up for Music In The Zoo this summer there is one that I especially look forward to: The Psychedelic Furs and James on 7/24. A few tickets are still available HERE
The energy coming from the crowd at a Psychedelic Furs show has always stood out to me. 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 frontman 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. The Psychedelic Furs came together in England’s emerging punk scene in 1977 and found success in the U.S. with their second release, 1981’s Talk Talk Talk. 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. These days, the band continues to tour around the world. The current Psychedelic Furs touring lineup remains Richard Butler (vocals), Tim Butler (bass), Rich Good (guitar), Mars Williams (saxophone), Amanda Kramer (keyboards) and Paul Garisto (drums).
James are one of British indie rock’s most celebrated and enduring bands. Formed in 1982 in Whalley Range, Manchester, their debut ‘Jimone’ EP was released in November the following year on Factory Records and made Morrissey and Johnny Marr into early fans. The band went on to produce a string of huge hits during the next three decades, including ‘Come Home’, ‘Sit Down’, ‘She’s a Star’ and ‘Laid’.
The band’s longevity can be attributed to their constant process of renewal and reinvention. Their most recent album, 2016’s ‘Girl at the End of the World’ debuted at number two in the UK album charts. In total, they have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, including their 1998 ‘Best Of’ which was a UK number one and went triple platinum. James’ reputation as a uniquely transcendent live act is well-earned, having headlined festivals from Glastonbury in 1992 to Festival No. 6 in 2015.
