Psychedelic Furs Convey Classic Cool
The Psychedelic Furs
W/Evan Dando
Friday, May 19
Hard Rock Live Orlando
Hiding behind obligatory rock star shades, Richard Butler prowled the stage of Orlando’s Hard Rock Live. He lead legendary new wave act Psychedelic Furs through almost two hours of rock steady, synth fueled numbers.
Re-formed earlier this Millennia, the band’s legacy stretches back to the late 70’s, when the Furs were trying to stand out in the crowded UK post-punk scene. Signature song, “Pretty in Pink” was bandied out early in the set, as was “Love My Way.” There was a steady flow of singles throughout the set. Missing on this tour is saxophonist Mars Williams and his inspired, over the top playing. Williams is currently fighting a serious medical condition.
Any thoughts Butler may have had about, well anything, were kept to himself. His and the band’s energy was focused squarely on the music. Butler’s voice was in fine form, and the band exceeded expectations.
Opening act Evan Dando, sometimes of The Lemonheads, but was tonight performing as a solo act. Dando took the stage with an acoustic guitar, two microphones, and with the venue still filling up, dove headlong into a 50 minute set of folky songs.
Dando steered through classic Lemonheads numbers, “Rudderless,” “It’s a Shame About Ray,” and “If I Could talk I’d Tell You.” Each of these became a sing-a-long, to the audience who arrived early enough to catch him.
He plugged in his electric guitar for several numbers, including an unexpected reading of the classic Angry Samoans song, “You Stupid Jerk.” Another surprise was a deft reading of Townes Van Zandt’s timeless “Pancho and Lefty.”
Outwardly, Dando channeled equal parts Syd Barret and The Dude. With songs reduced to their essentials, he centered his energy into a heartfelt performance, resolutely leaving all he had to give onstage.
