The Psychedelic Furs play Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre.
Months ago, Kelly and I bought tickets when The Psychedelic Furs announced they’d be playing at Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre. Last night was that night and I was on Cloud Nine. Kelly was initially ambivalent about going but once the Furs took the stage she really got into it.
I made jokes on Twitter about being in an older crowd and, truly, it was a more mature crowd. Richard Butler and his bandmates didn’t slow down, though, as the Furs played the many hits they’ve racked up over the years. What a show! The faces may be older and there might be some new bandmates, but other than that it could’ve been a Furs show in their heyday.
Their music is really good, yes, but what I like about the Furs is that they don’t seem pretentious. Richard Butler didn’t have a lot of banter with the crowd but he did sign a few CDs and albums from the audience. Throughout the show, he and his bandmates moved around the stage, often standing right at the edge and getting as close as possible.
The really cool thing, though, is that The Psychedelic Furs are not camera shy. Bassist Tim Butler mugged for cameras all night long, happily obliging when anyone pointed a smartphone in his face. Other bandmembers were just as willing to pose for shots, too. There were two audience members in front of me who had – gasp – long-lens cameras! Heaven forbid! It made the no-camera policies of bands like R.E.M. look foolish. I will be talking about this show for years and will have my photos to share, which will help keep the interest level in the band high. At the same time, the Furs know that a picture is no match for actually being there.
I’m so happy I got to see this legendary band.