story by Chris Castaneda
The baritone of Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler was, in
itself, one of the most recognizable sounds of the '80s - and his
band a major pioneer of the whole early '80s sound and resulting image.
The dark and moody tunes reflected the detachment of the era, and
the band was one of the first to enjoy exposure on a budding MTV.
After the band called it quits in 1992, Butler formed Love Split Love,
but the band was never able to recapture the attention or fanatic
following of the Furs. So now, over a decade later, the Furs are back
creating new music that they say deserves a listen. A new album is
planned for late 2005 or early 2006.
Bassist Tim Butler thinks the Psychedelic Furs have a place in 2005.
Along with original members John Ashton and brother Richard, the Furs
seek to prove there's still music to be made. John Hughes' 1986 movie
Pretty In Pink (named after their most popular tune) may have been
a blessing and a curse, but in the eyes of Tim Butler, it hasn't stopped
the band's influence to reach newer bands like Interpol or The Killers.
Surviving the post-punk and new wave eras, the Psychedelic Furs want
to be a band of today and not the band they once were a quarter of
a century ago.
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BUTLER'S INNER VIEW
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"We just want to show people that
we are still able to create cool music."
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Chicago Innerview: What was your initial feeling to the decision
that the Psychedelic Furs would break up?
Tim Butler: When we decided to split in '92, I was shocked at first
because I think World Outside is one of our best albums. But thinking
back, I think it was the best move. We were tired of the tour-record
grind and we also needed a break from being The Psychedelic Furs.
Chicago Innerview: After success in the '80s, how tricky is it to
separate the mind set between working to remain relevant to the masses
and working to remain true to the band?
Tim Butler: When we first started having success in America, we felt
no pressure to be relevant to the masses. We were young and thought
we were the best band in the world, as any band should. We wrote songs
we thought sounded good and didn't really care if anyone else liked
them. We always tried to push the boundaries of our own songwriting
skills, hence the varied producers. We were very lucky that the directions
we went were followed by an increasing amount of fans who, I think,
appreciated our not selling out.
CI: Now that the band has started touring and creatively working
together again, what's the experience been like for you?
TB: When we got back together, it was really exciting again. It's
so cool to be onstage with Richard and John, playing songs which still
sound relevant and timeless. We have some amazing new songs ready
to record and things look good. It's also exciting to see really young
fans getting into the music along with longtime 'FURnatics.'
CI: How important is a new album to the band?
TB: The new album is important because we want to show people that
we can still write great songs that mean something. And that just
because we're older, we can still produce thought-provoking music
which younger people can relate to.
CI: Something Pete Townshend has said regarding the prospects of
a new Who album was that the band would no longer be in a position
to have to compete with other bands like in their heyday. Would that
notion apply to the Psychedelic Furs today?
TB: I agree with Pete Townshend. The Furs can't compete with what
is charting today, whether it's boy bands, rap, or teeny bopper plastic
punk. We don't really have to; we have done our part to help change
music. We just want to show people that we are still able to create
cool music. If we were bothered by the pressure of selling millions,
we'd probably have nervous breakdowns.
The Psychedelic Furs :: House of Blues :: April 15.