The Psychedelic Furs: "Stranger Things brought us back to a new generation, but we never left"

The legendary The Psychedelic Furs come to Malaga with a live show that celebrates their past, present, and the emotional pulse that still ignites ... new generations. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18 at La Trinchera, as part of their Spanish tour. Born in the early 80s amidst the punk explosion, "a shakeup that gave us a voice," recalls Tim Butler, the band honed a unique sound: decadent romanticism, enveloping guitars, and the unmistakable voice of Richard Butler. Anthems such as Love My Way, Pretty in Pink, or The Ghost in You marked an era and, decades later, have surged in popularity again thanks to their presence in Stranger Things, TV ads, and movies like Call Me By Your Name, opening the door to a young audience that today sings along with their longtime fans.

After a ten-year hiatus, Richard and Tim explored Love Spit Love and solo projects before returning with Made of Rain (2020): an album that doesn't look back, but reflects "where we are now on the musical journey." The band, Tim says, enjoys a creative freedom today that didn't exist before: without the cycle imposed by record labels, they tour and create at their own pace.

The loss in 2023 of saxophonist Mars Williams, a key figure in their sound, deeply affected the group both personally and artistically. Instead of "replacing the irreplaceable," they opted for a dual guitar play and incorporated Peter DiStefano (co-founder of Porno For Pyros), adding energy and new nuances on stage.

You were born one night in 1980, inspired after attending a Sex Pistols concert. That shock, that energy, and that rebellious attitude gave voice to a generation caught in disillusionment. What differences do you find between that era and the present?

- Tim: Actually, it's gotten better! We are much happier now when we go on tour. The pressure from record labels no longer exists, so we are no longer in a constant cycle of tour/record/tour/record. Overall, there's more freedom to create and perform, and to do it at our own pace and in our own way.

Your early songs were a beacon for those of us seeking identity and emotion. Seeing you revived in Stranger Things was a surprise filled with nostalgia. Why do you think you were chosen to represent the spirit of the eighties?

- Tim: We don't think about "the era." Our focus is on what we do in the present. It has always been like that. Probably a big reason why we have lasted for so many decades. People change, perspectives change as you grow. But the fire is still there.

How is it possible that, after so much time, you still have the same desire to go on stage and, at the same time, the idea of creating a new album gave you a certain vertigo?

- Tim: Partly, there was a period when the band didn't exist for a decade. During that time Richard and I worked on another project called Love Spit Love, which eventually produced two albums of its own. Additionally, Richard made music for several soundtracks and a solo album before the Furs returned with Made Of Rain. The doubt came from the fear that the new material wouldn't live up to the old (as we had seen in many other groups). We are very happy to say that we were the exception and that our latest album holds up very well against everything we had done before.

In your new album, the creative process was different: each living in a different part of the world, sending ideas remotely, composing "in fragments" across various geographies. How did this affect the old creative dynamics?

- Tim: I think it gave each of us a chance to shine a bit more, instead of throwing us into the studio to compete. It produced more interesting directions. In the end, we did meet in the studio for a couple of two-week sessions and played together. Youth sometimes prioritizes things of the moment that, in the long run, don't matter as much. Today we all get along very well and feel a deep respect for what each contributes to the mix. The world changes, and it becomes more beautiful the more you experience it.

In your concerts, generations mix: the loyal audience of always and new fans who have met you through Stranger Things or Made of Rain, an album that arrived after almost three decades without new material. How do you experience this intergenerational connection?

- Tim: It's great. Stranger Things, TV ads, and movies (like Call Me By Your Name) have exposed the band to a new and younger audience that discovers it in a similar way to how the original fans did. Today we see many young faces at our concerts. It's an honor to continue enduring, to continue having an audience that comes to see us, and to continue seeing positive reactions. Our latest album simply reflects where we are now in the musical journey, which is a different place, far from where we were many years ago. Hopefully, we, and our music, have grown along with our audience. We try to maintain the mystery and excitement. We really can't control how the world progresses or degenerates.

Your saxophonist Mars Williams, an essential part of your sound, passed away in 2023. How has his absence affected the band, both personally and creatively?

- Tim: We miss Mars very much. His personality and presence can never be replaced. Instead of trying to recreate him, we returned to the dual guitar play (as we did in the past). Peter DiStefano (co-founder of Porno For Pyros) has joined our lineup and is a wonderful addition.

And finally… What advice would you give for living in peace, something that life has truly taught you?

- Tim: Do what you love. Believe in what you do. Enjoy the good things in life... even in the darkest times. At a concert, leave the outside world outside the room.