Formed in London in 1977, the band The Psychedelic Furs emerged from the British scene that gave rise to post-punk and new wave. Led by brothers Richard Butler (vocals) and Tim Butler (bass), the group forged its identity by combining guitars, saxophone, and Richard’s distinctive, husky voice, making a name for itself with songs such as “Sister Europe,” “Love My Way,” “The Ghost in You,” “Pretty in Pink,” and “Heaven.” The band’s name was inspired by the song “Venus in Furs” by Velvet Underground.
In the early years, the lineup solidified with Roger Morris and John Ashton on guitars, Duncan Kilburn on saxophone and keyboards, and Vince Ely on drums. This sextet recorded the albums The Psychedelic Furs (1980) and Talk Talk Talk (1981). After Morris and Kilburn left the band, the group released Forever Now (1982), produced by Todd Rundgren and fueled by the success of “Love My Way.”
With Mirror Moves (1984), which featured “The Ghost in You” and “Heaven,” the band expanded its international reach. In 1986, “Pretty in Pink,” originally released on Talk Talk Talk, was re-recorded for the soundtrack of the film of the same name—released in Brazil as A Garota de Rosa-Shocking. The discography continued with Midnight to Midnight (1987), which included “Heartbreak Beat,” and Book of Days (1989).
After World Outside (1991), The Psychedelic Furs went on hiatus in 1992. The band reunited in 2000 to tour, but their return with an album of new material didn’t happen until July 2020, with Made of Rain. The eighth studio album ended a 29-year hiatus without new material and featured tracks such as “Don’t Believe,” “You’ll Be Mine,” and “Wrong Train.”
In 2021, the group released the single “Evergreen,” recorded during the sessions for Made of Rain. In November 2023, saxophonist Mars Williams passed away at the age of 68; his contributions left a lasting mark on various phases of the band’s career.
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