Into Live Music Review: Psychedelic Furs
Concert: Psychedelic Furs
Venue: Glasgow Barrowland
Dates: 24 October 2025
For some inexplicable reason, I’d never seen The Furs perform live so I was very much looking forward to this gig. There have been several lineup changes since the band formed in the late 1970s, however, Richard and Tim Butler have remained throughout. The latest iteration includes Rich Good (guitars), Amanda Kramer (keyboards) and Zack Alford (drums). They’re also joined on tour by guitarist Peter DiStefano. I should mention the support act was Anja Huwe from the band Xmal Deutschland. I rarely miss watching the ‘supports’ but on this occasion I didn’t arrive at the venue until she’d finished performing.
The Furs took to the stage at 21:15 (right on schedule) and began their set with ‘Heaven’ – the crowd immediately began singing and dancing along. It’s always a good sign if the first song gets the fans engaged. This was followed by ‘President Gas’ and Richard’s trademark gravelly vocals were superbly delivered. (For me, this was probably his best vocal performance of the evening). The remainder of the set was full of the popular eighties hits interspersed with three more recent songs from the 2020 album – Made Of Rain – which were warmly received despite not being so well known. Unsurprisingly, it was the big hitters that sparked the loudest singing and received the biggest applause – ‘Pretty In Pink’, ‘Love My Way’, and ‘The Ghost In You’, which incidentally, I believe has become very popular with Gen Z and Millennials due to it featuring in the second season of ‘Stranger Things’, something that would explain why there were so many younger fans in attendance. The encore comprised two songs, ‘It Goes On’ and ‘India’ – much to the delight of the older punters, who’ve followed/ worshipped the band since the release of their eponymous debut. I admit to being a little disappointed at the absence of ‘Sister Europe’, as were many others in my vicinity (apparently it hasn’t been played live for a number of years).
Throughout the gig, chat in between songs was short, mostly Richard thanking everyone for their support and warm welcome. Scottish music fans tend to appreciate a bit more banter, especially at Glasgow Barrowlands, so I felt the atmosphere was a wee bit flat at times. Musically, the band was exceptionally tight. Zack Alford had previously played drums for David Bowie so I was familiar with his back story. I hadn’t come across Amanda Kramer, Rich Good or the aforementioned Peter DiStefano but they gelled perfectly with the Butler brothers. (I have to mention – Rich looks remarkably like Jeff Beck) From my vantage point close to the front right hand side of the stage I managed to take some decent individual photos, partly due to Tim, Rich and Richard moving back and forth across the stage. The downside of standing within touching distance is that it’s impossible to get a full band photo – the pros and cons of being “doon the front”.
I’d say the passion and enthusiasm for performing live still runs through Richard and Tim’s veins as they appeared to really enjoy themselves. If The Furs tour again I’ll definitely purchase a ticket – and hopefully they’ll add ‘Sister Europe’ to the set list.
To keep up to date with The Psychedelic Furs head over to their website here.
Review by Gillian Ashton
@ladystardust31
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