The Psychedelic Furs are an English rock band founded in 1977. The mainstay of the band since its inception has been vocalist Richard Butler and his brother Tim Butler on bass guitar. Though most widely associated with new wave, the band's sound incorporates elements of punk rock, post-punk, glam rock and synth pop. They achieved popularity in the United Kingdom with their debut album, 1980's The Psychedelic Furs. Ranked number 42 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list, The Psychedelic Furs have released seven studio albums and 19 singles. Richards' icy baritone voice and Tims' melodic bass guitar defined their sound.
The Psychedelic Furs music was DARK; it was about SEX and DRUGS and ROCK & ROLL. It was also ABOUT LOVE, LOSS, AND LONGING. The Psychedelic Furs were fitting to a generation that was looking for something different; they were the perfect antidote to the over-produced, polished sounds of the 80s.
Their first album, The Psychedelic Furs, was released in 1980 and was an instant success in the UK. It featured the singles "We Love You" and "Mr. Jones (Ballad of a Thin Man)," which were both hits on the UK charts. The band's second album, Talk Talk Talk, was released in 1981 and contained the hit single "Pretty in Pink," which was later used as the basis for the 1986 John Hughes film of the same name.
The Psychedelic Furs' third album, "Forever Now", was released in 1982 and contained the singles "Love My Way" and "The Ghost in You," both of which were hits on the US Billboard Hot 100. The band's fourth album, Mirror Moves, was released in 1984 and contained the single "Heaven," which reached the top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100. The Psychedelic Furs' seventh and final album, World Outside, was released in 1991 and contained the single "Until She Comes," which reached the top 40 of the US Billboard Hot 100.
The band wouldn't go on to make another album for almost 30 years, when "Made of Rain" was released in 2020, to generally positive reviews. One fitting review claimed it was "a welcome return to the Furs’ classic blend of aggression, tender melody and brooding ambience."
The band's biggest hit was "Love My Way," which reached the Top 10 in both the UK and US in 1982. The follow-up single, "Pretty in Pink," was used as the title track for the John Hughes film Pretty in Pink (1986). "Love My Way" is currently ranked as one of the top 100 greatest songs of all time by NME magazine.
Throughout their career, The Psychedelic Furs have continued to evolve, keeping their music fresh and relevant. They continue to tour and release new music, and their live shows are as powerful as ever.
