The Psychedelic Furs

October 22, 2024 – The Astro – La Vista, NE

For an unforgettable night of music, The Astro in La Vista, Nebraska was the place to be on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, as The Psychedelic Furs took the stage and brought the house down. Before the Furs, fans in attendance were treated to the musical styling of Frankie Rose and The Jesus and Mary Chain.

Frankie Rose, an indie musician known for her dreamy, synth-driven sound and her role in shaping the indie rock scene, kicked things off.

Rose started her career as a drummer for notable bands like Crystal Stilts, Dum Dum Girls, and Vivian Girls before branching out on her own. With a unique blend of ethereal vocals and lush, atmospheric instrumentation, Rose has released several solo albums, including Interstellar and Cage Tropical. Her music blends elements of post-punk, new wave, and dream pop, earning her a dedicated fan base in the indie music world. Currently, Rose has over 37 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify, and her latest release, Interstellar is definitely worth checking out.

Rose’s set was an indie dream come to life. Her atmospheric, synth-laden sound filled The Astro, creating a moody, ethereal vibe that perfectly complemented her dreamy vocals. She had a cool, laid-back stage presence, effortlessly drawing the crowd in with songs from Interstellar and Cage Tropical. The live versions of her tracks had an extra punch, with shimmering guitars and spacey synths creating a hypnotic effect. It was perfect for fans of dreamy, retro-inspired indie music. Getting any photos of her set however, was a huge challenge because she was in the dark the whole time. Besides that challenge, it was a great way to kick things off!

After a brief intermission, it was time for The Jesus and Mary Chain!

In case you’re not familiar, The Jesus and Mary Chain is a Scottish alternative rock band formed in 1983 by brothers Jim and William Reid. Known for their signature blend of feedback-drenched guitars and catchy pop melodies, they became pioneers of the noise-pop and shoegaze genres. Their debut album, Psychocandy (1985), is considered a classic, combining raw, distorted sound with sweet, melodic tunes.

The band’s lineup has changed over the years, but Jim (vocals) and William (guitar) remain its core. Other key members have included bassist Douglas Hart and drummers Bobby Gillespie (later of Primal Scream) and John Moore.

Despite internal tensions leading to their breakup in 1999, the band reunited in 2007 and has been performing and releasing music since. Some notable achievements include their induction into the Scottish Music Hall of Fame and their influence on later bands like My Bloody Valentine and The Smashing Pumpkins. The group has over 843 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify, and their latest single, “Pop Seeds” is a must add to your indie playlist!

From the moment they took the stage, it felt like a trip back to the heyday of ’80s alt-rock. Jim Reid’s brooding vocals and William Reid’s distorted, feedback-heavy guitar created a wall of sound that was both intense and hypnotic. They played classics like “Head On” and “Just Like Honey,” which had the crowd swaying in a trance-like state. Despite their famously cool demeanor, there was an underlying energy that kept the audience hooked. The mix of noise and melody was pure, and hearing those iconic tracks live was an unforgettable experience for any fan of their unique, gritty style.

The Jesus and Mary Chain Setlist:

Jamcod
April Skies
Head On
Happy When It Rains
All Things Pass
Chemical Animal
Some Candy Talking
Cracking Up
Far Gone and Out
Venal Joy
Blues From a Gun
Between Planets
In a Hole
Sometimes Always
Nine Million Rainy Days
Just Like Honey
Taste of Cindy
I Hate Rock ‘n’ Roll

As if that wasn’t enough, up next was the headliners for the evening – The Psychedelic Furs!

The Psychedelic Furs are an English rock band that formed in 1977, blending post-punk with new wave to create a signature sound marked by Richard Butler’s distinctive raspy vocals and a mix of atmospheric guitars and saxophone. The band rose to fame in the early 1980s with hits like “Love My Way,” “Pretty in Pink,” and “The Ghost in You,” becoming staples of the alternative rock scene. Their music gained wider attention when “Pretty in Pink” inspired the 1986 John Hughes movie of the same name.

The current lineup includes original members Richard Butler (vocals) and his brother Tim Butler (bass), along with Mars Williams (saxophone), Rich Good (guitar), Amanda Kramer (keyboards), and Zack Alford (drums). Though they haven’t won major mainstream awards, The Psychedelic Furs are celebrated for their lasting influence on the post-punk and new wave movements. In 2020, they released their first album in nearly three decades, Made of Rain, which was well-received by fans and critics, proving their sound remains timeless.

Currently, they have over 1.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify and they don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

Their set was a masterclass in moody, atmospheric rock. Richard Butler’s iconic raspy vocals still sound incredible, and he commands the stage with a cool charisma that draws you in. The band played a mix of classics like “Love My Way” and “Pretty in Pink,” sending the crowd into nostalgic bliss, while newer tracks from Made of Rain fit seamlessly into the set. The saxophone and synths added that unmistakable Furs sound, creating a lush, layered experience. The energy was electric, and the band clearly enjoyed being on stage, making the night feel both intimate and timeless for fans, old and new. These guys still know how to put on a show!

The Psychedelic Furs Setlist: