Is it hard to believe that 30+ years into their respective careers, both The Psychedelic Furs and James are at the top of their game? The British new wave and indie rock stars brought their co-headlining, summer tour to The Observatory North Park.
Tim Booth of James
The audience clapped and hooted as James took the stage and each member of the sextet settled into their spot. Dressed in loose-fitting clothes, Tim Booth commanded the stage as well as the entire venue. Booth went into the crowd several times throughout the night, holding hands with fans, standing at the rails for a great portion of the songs, and walking through the audience packed on the floor.
James’ setlist changes from every night; a big treat for uber-fans that follow the band from city to city. Booth joked halfway through the set saying that, “This is the point in the night where we have a couple of options in our set depending on what kind of crowd we think you are.” The band then launched into “Out to Get You.”
James’ setlist:
Attention
Extraordinary Times
Leviathan
Laid
Come Home
Hank
Out to Get You
Just Like Fred Astaire
English Beefcake
Many Faces
Sometimes (Lester Piggott)
Getting Away With It (All Messed Up)
The Psychedelic Furs pleased the audience by playing all of their 80s hits. Richard Butler’s voice hasn’t changed one bit – it is as raspy and romantic as ever. His interaction with the crowd is both light-hearted and full of joy.
The Psychedelic Furs’ setlist:
Love My Way
Mr. Jones
The Ghost in You
So Run Down
Heaven
The Boy That Invented Rock & Roll
Pretty In Pink
President Gas
Sleep Comes Down
Heartbreak Beat
India
Supporting act, Dear Boy, was absolutely magic. The Los Angeles-based band’s dreamy sound was reminiscent of The Ocean Blue and The Dream Academy. Lead singer, Ben Grey thanked both James and The Psychedelic Furs for inviting Dear Boy on tour. He said, “It is evident from the first chord that we have been heavily influenced by them.”
