The Psychedelic Furs Live Review
The Wendy James Band
In support to the Psychedelic Furs at the Pyramids Centre was another act who made a name for themselves during the 1980’s in Wendy James (formerly of Transvision Vamp). Having produced 3 fairly pop-oriented albums with Transvision Vamp, Wendy James went solo in 1993 before re-emerging a decade later fronting the short-lived Racine.
Nowadays, performing as the Wendy James Band, her setlist of course pulled from those early days, albeit delivered with a more punk-rock presence. Although from the moment she belted out “Tell that Girl to Shut Up” (originally by Holly and the Italians) James was in fine voice.
Soon enough Wendy James exclaimed “Aren’t my band great!” and they sure were. Playing with an 80’s pin-up you’re not always going to be given the limelight, but this was a tight group of musicians who gelled well with their singer.
We were treated to a couple of new tracks from the Wendy James Band’s upcoming album, which held up well against the Transvision Vamp numbers. Although it was always going to be the likes of “Baby I Don’t Care” that would take the audience back to an era of big hair and shoulder pads.
Wendy James Live Review
The Psychedelic Furs
In the past, I’ve often found the Pyramids Centre to be a bit of a soulless vacuum with a poor choice in beer. Despite many a great gig, the spacious room lacks the intimacy of similar-sized venues.
However, with the Wendy James Band having dispersed any concerns, the Psychedelic Furs too would go on to restore my faith in concerts at the Pyramids Centre.
This was a night for an audience above a certain age, but that was always going to be the case. As the Psychedelic Furs came on with “Dumb Waiters” the show was to be a career-spanning retrospective. Although having not released any new material in over 25 years, it was obvious the Psychedelic Furs have still kept their fanbase.
Led by founding members the Butler brothers, the Psychedelic Furs at the Pyramids Centre was all about the music. No need for between-song banter as any gaps in the vocals were filled by some wonderful saxophone during “Sister Europe” and such like.
The Psychedelic Furs, Pyramids Centre, Southsea
As for the big tunes, they were dispersed evenly throughout the night. “Mr Jones” two songs in, the chilling “Heaven” about halfway and the classic “Pretty in Pink” once the show was in full swing.
Then when it came to the encore, out of the slow build-up emerged the song where it all began back in March 1980. With a stunning rendition of “India” from the band’s debut album.
While the Psychedelic Furs tour continues across Europe until the end of October, it will be intriguing to see if there’s ever a new record in the making. Likewise, if the current line-up is able to capture the magic of the live performance within a studio environment.
Live Review: The Psychedelic Furs, Pyramids Centre, Southsea, by Mr Teeth Reviews.
