Squeeze 2023 North American Tour Dates Announced; English legends to tour with The Psychedelic Furs

What a great tour announcement; Squeeze and The Psychedelic Furs are embarking on a tour together this summer and have confirmed several Southern California dates in fall. Read my review of a 2012 concert featuring Squeeze HERE...Robert Kinsler

SQUEEZE CELEBRATES UPCOMING 50-YEAR ANNIVERSARY  WITH AMERICAN TOUR ALONGSIDE THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS  TOUR COMMENCES SEPT 8, 2023 AT NYC'S RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL  TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY MAY 19, 2023   Photographer - Danny Clifford  BROOKLYN, NY – British band Squeeze are pleased to announce their Fall American Tour commencing September 8, 2023 at New York City's famed Radio City Music Hall. This will be the Squeeze's first U.S. foray since their 2021 North American tour with Hall & Oates. Joining the band on the road will be The Psychedelic Furs. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 19th.   In 1978 Squeeze blasted to the forefront of the U.K. music scene during the height of the punk revolution. A three-song E.P. landed them a deal with A&M Records leading to the release of their debut self-titled album. With songwriting hooks and melodies that harkened back to the 60's British Invasion, the groundbreaking L.P. featured "Take Me I'm Yours," followed by a cadre of U.K. hits, including "Cool for Cats," "Up the Junction," "Pulling Mussels From A Shell," "Black Coffee in Bed," and "Labeled With Love." The band made an indelible mark on the U.S. in 1981 with the release of their classic hits, "Tempted," "Hourglass," and "853-5937" (from East Side Story.) Squeeze disbanded in 1999, then reunited in 2007, releasing three new albums; Spot the Difference (2010), Cradle to the Grave (2015), and The Knowledge (2017.) in 2022; the Food for Thought E.P. was released featuring one new song, two reimagined songs, and three exclusive live tracks. Profits from the digital E.P. will go to benefit independent U.K. Food Banks. Additionally, both Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook have released various solo projects.   In addition to Chris and Glenn, Squeeze currently features keyboardist Stephen Large and drummer Simon Hanson (since 2007), percussionist/backing vocalist Steve Smith (since 2017) along with pedal/lap steel guitarist Melvin Duffy (since 2019) and Owen Biddle, former bassist for The Roots, (who joined in 2020.)   Since arriving on the post-punk landscape four decades ago, The Psychedelic Furs, led by vocalist and songwriter Richard Butler and his bass-wielding brother Tim quickly developed as one of the premiere bands at college and alternative radio, scoring hits with "Love My Way," "Pretty In Pink," "Heaven," "The Ghost In You," and "Heartbreak Beat." In total, the Furs have released eight studio albums, spawning several compilations, a boxed set, a live concert DVD, and inspiring one of the most iconic motion picture soundtracks of all time. Their latest release, Made Of Rain, became their second-highest charting U.K. Album ever.

Photographer - Danny Clifford  TOUR DATES Sep 8               New York, NY              Radio City Music Hall Sep 9               Mashantucket, CT       Foxwoods Sep 10             Asbury Park, NJ          The Stone Pony Summer Stage Sep 12             Boston, MA                  Boch Center Wang Theatre Sep 13             Philadelphia, PA          The Met Sep 14             Washington D.C.          Filene Center at Wolf Trap Sep 16             Atlanta, GA                   Cadence Bank Amp at Chastain Park Sep 17             Nashville, TN                Grand Ole Opry Sep 19             Durham, NC                 Durham Performing Arts Center Sep 20             Richmond, VA              Virginia Credit Union LIVE! Sep 22             Nashville, IND               Brown County Music Center Sep 23             Detroit, MI                    The Fillmore Sep 24             Chicago, IL                   Salt Shed Sep 26             St. Louis, MO               Stifel Theatre Sep 27             Minneapolis, MN          The Uptown Theater Sep 29             Denver, CO                  The Bellco Theater Sep 30             Salt Lake City, UT         Eccles Theater Oct 2               Eugene, OR                   Silva Concert Hall @ Hult Center Oct 3               Seattle, WA                    The Paramount Theatre Oct 5               Saratoga, CA                 The Mountain Winery Oct 6               Napa, CA                        Blue Note Napa Session at Silverado Resort Oct 7               Wheatland, CA               Hard Rock Live Oct 9               San Diego, CA               The Sound Oct 12             Paso Robles, CA            Vina Robles Amphitheatre Oct 13             Los Angeles, CA             The Greek Theatre Oct 14             Las Vegas, NV                The Pearl Theater    FOR TICKET INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.    CONNECT WITH SQUEEZE Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

The Psychedelic Furs release new song "Evergreen" out now

 Listen to the dreamy new track from The Psychedelic Furs and get more details about the legendary band's upcoming tour dates...Robert Kinsler

THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS New Track “EVERGREEN” Available Today LISTEN HERE

Photo Credit: Reed Davis   “ ‘Made of Rain’ is like a long-overdue catch-up with a much-loved friend” THE SUNDAY TIMES   “…their strongest since Forever Now” MOJO ****    “An elegant and grand showstopper” UNCUT ********    “…retains the qualities we loved in the first place…and we wouldn’t want it any other way.” THE SUN ****   “Made of Rain isn’t a comeback—it’s a new road.” PITCHFORK   The Psychedelic Furs are releasing a new song “Evergreen” today ahead of North American and European tour dates.   “Evergreen,” produced by Richard Fortus with David Maurice and The Psychedelic Furs, was recorded during the sessions for the band’s most recent effort, the highly acclaimed Made Of Rain album. Made Of Rain became the Furs’ second-highest charting UK Album ever and featured at the end-of-year Best Albums roundup in Mojo, Uncut, Classic Pop, ABC’s Good Morning America, and Vive Le Rock among others. Furs’ vocalist Richard Butler says “‘Evergreen’ is something that we did while we were putting together Made Of Rain. It’s a song about memory and the passing of time.”   The Psychedelic Furs’ Made Of Rain Tour runs throughout September - November and includes their eagerly anticipated debuts at New York City’s famed Apollo Theater (November 13th). Tickets for all shows are available now at: http://www.thepsychedelicfurs.com. The band will also be featured at 2022’s sold-out ‘Cruel World Festival’ in California on May 14th and 15th, along with Morrissey, Bauhaus, Blondie, and more…The full list of dates for 2021 are:   TOUR DATES SEPTEMBER 15th - Indianapolis IN - The Vogue 16th - Chicago IL - The Vic Theatre 17th - Milwaukee WI - Summerfest 19th - Buffalo NY - Town Ballroom   OCTOBER 16th - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre 17th - Santa Fe, NM - Lensic Performing Arts Center 19th - Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall 20th - Dallas, TX - Grenada Theater 21st - Austin, TX - Emo’s Austin 23rd - New Orleans, LA - Tipitina’s 27th - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Revolution Live 29th - Clearwater, FL - Bilheimer Capitol Theatre 30th - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live 31st - Ponte Vedra Beach, FL - Ponte Vedra Concert Hall     NOVEMBER 2nd - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre 3rd - Carrboro, NC - Cat’s Cradle 5th - York, PA - Strand Theatre 6th - Rockville, MD - The Robert E. Parilla PAC 7th - Tarrytown, NY - Tarrytown Music Hall 9th - New Haven, CT - College Street Music Hall 10th - Phoenixville, PA - Colonial Theatre 12th - Atlantic City, NJ - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 13th - New York, NY - Apollo Theater 14th - Beverly, MA - The Cabot 16th - Northampton, MA - Academy Of Music 17th - Montclair, NJ - Wellmont Theater 19th - Huntington, NY - Paramount 20th - Albany, NY - Empire Live 21st - Concord, NH - Capitol Center for the Arts Made of Rain is preceded by seven studio albums, including The Psychedelic Furs (1980), Talk Talk Talk(1981), Forever Now (1982), Mirror Moves (1984), Midnight To Midnight (1987), Book Of Days (1989) and World Outside (1991). Among their many singles are such enduring classics as “Sister Europe,” “Love My Way,” “The Ghost In You,” “Pretty In Pink,” “Heaven,” and “Heartbreak Beat.”   CONNECT WITH THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS THEPSYCHEDELICFURS.COM FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE

New Music: Psychedelic Furs, Deep Purple, Blue Öyster Cult, the Go-Go's

Several of rock's groundbreaking artists have new and forthcoming releases available. There are essential new full-length studio efforts from the Psychedelic Furs and Deep Purple, as well as a multi-format concert title from New York-spawned rockers Blue Öyster Cult. Also worth celebrating is a new Showtime documentary and inspired single from Los Angeles' the Go-Go's.

Artist: The Psychedelic Furs
Title: Made of Rain (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: The Psychedelic Furs, The Church
Tell me more: With the release of their eighth studio album Made of Rain — their first new album since 1991 — the Psychedelic Furs remind the world why the band remains one of the elite modern rock heroes to have emerged in the early 1980s.  The London-spawned troupe's 12-song set is brilliant; this is a masterwork filled with cascading rockers, heaven-sent dream fields and golden sonic blasts that burst without faltering into hapless noisescapes. Singer-songwriter Richard Butler and his brother bassist Tim Butler, saxophonist Mars Williams, drummer Paul Garisto, keyboardist Amanda Kramer and guitarist Rich Good have an otherworldly ability to connect amidst the luxurious wall of sound, that approach aided by the stellar co-production of Richard Fortus (formerly of Richard and Tim Butler's mid-1990s band Love Spit Love, and a current member of Guns N' Roses). But a cool sound, top-tier musicianship and great production wouldn't mean much without great songs; thankfully fantastic tracks fill Made of Rain. The riveting "The Boy That Invented Rock & Roll," surging "Don't Believe," hypnotic "Wrong Train" and poignant "Ash Wednesday" help lead the charge on the first half of the LP. The decidedly raucous "Come All Ye Faithful," yearning rocker "No-One," tranquil "Tiny Hands" and disc ending arc of the ambitious "Stars" are among the standout on the last half of the LP. Information: ThePsychedelicFurs.com.

Artist: Deep Purple
Title: Whoosh! (earMusic / Edel)
You might like if you enjoy: Deep Purple, Rainbow
Tell me more: Coming Friday, Aug. 7, Deep Purple's forthcoming Whoosh! marks the 21st studio album from the hard-rocking British legends. Those wondering if the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have lost a step need not fear. Part of the so-called "unholy trinity of British hard rock and heavy metal" (along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath), Deep Purple continues to defy the ages on its latest full-length release. It's remarkable to hear how forceful and compelling the outfit's timeless approach sounds in 2020; the 13-track album kicks off with the majestic "Throw My Bones," a great melodic rock rock track bolstered by Ian Gillan's signature vocals and Steve Morse's astonishing guitar work. The magic doesn't end there; Deep Purple (whose lineup also includes founding drummer Ian Paice, bassist Roger Glover and keyboardist Don Airey) thrill with songs that earn a place alongside bona fide band classics like "Highway Star," "Perfect Strangers" and "Knockin' at Your Back Door." The rocker "Drop the Weapon" is an assertive call for at-risk teens to step away from the dangers of crime in the big city — adorned with prog rock-worthy musicianship, lush vocals and an artfully plaintive ending. The probing "Nothing At All" is a true baroque rocker, with super enveloping vocal layers that lift the lofty choruses and buoyant keyboards. Another stellar original is the "The Power of the Moon," which blends goth rock stylings in the verses that perfectly offsets the more positive pull of the instrumental breaks and dynamic choruses. Listening to the album it's obvious the band — working for the third time with producer Bob Ezrin — continues to follow its rightful path to propel its sound to new depths. The striving "Long Way Round," purposeful "Man Alive" and apt album closer "Dancing In My Sleep" reflect that adventuresome wide ranging spirit. Elsewhere the quintet delivers winning straightforward rockers, notably "No Need To Shout," the old time rock 'n' roll-flavored "What the What" and blistering blues-tinged instrumental "And The Address." Whoosh! is another must-hear album from one of rock's enduring great bands. Information: DeepPurple.com.

Artist: Blue Öyster Cult
Title: 45th Anniversary - Live in London (Frontiers Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Blue Öyster Cult, Deep Purple
Tell me more: In 2017, legendary rockers Blue Öyster Cult celebrated their 45th anniversary with a tour that took them throughout Europe and the U.K. One of the obvious highlights of the trek was the band's performance of all 10 tracks from their 1972 Columbia Records debut album in celebration of its 45th anniversary, a show at indigo at The O2 in London, England staged in June 2017. The band performed energetic and powerful takes on its early material, including a flawless take on the progressive rock opener "Transmaniacon MC," the lofty "Then Came The Last Days of May" (featuring spectacular lead guitar solos from Buck Dharma and Richie Castellano), genre-bending "Screams" and country-meets-blues rock "Redeemed." In addition to performing the tracks off their debut at that event, other classics from the band were delivered including the instrumental showcase "Buck's Boogie," energetic crowd-pleasing "Godzilla" and exhilarating "(Don't Fear) The Reaper." The full show was recorded and videotaped in 4K UHD. Live in London is available via CD+DVD, a 2LP vinyl version and via Blu-ray. The release looks and sounds amazing. Information: BlueOysterCult.com.

Artist: The Go-Go's
Title: Club Zero (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Music documentaries, the Go-Go's, the Bangles
Tell me more: On July 31, Showtime premiered the outstanding new Alison Ellwood-directed documentary "The Go-Go's," a revealing and entertaining look at the groundbreaking Los Angeles group that has the notable distinction of being the first and only all-female band to write their own songs and play their own instruments on a #1 album (1981's Beauty And The Beat). A bonus watching the members of the seminal band talk about their music and historic rise in the '80s is the new Go-Go's single "Club Zero," their first new recording in nearly 20 years. The infectious power pop-mining melodic track is worthy of the legacy of the band — singer Belinda Carlisle, guitarist Jane Wiedlin, guitarist Charlotte Caffey, bassist Kathy Valentine and drummer Gina Schock to be sure. Information: GoGos.com.

Jane Wiedlin, left, and Belinda Carlisle of the Go-Go's.Photo by Melanie Nissen / Photo courtesy of Showtime

Editor's Note: For an in-depth review of the new documentary "The Go-Go's," check out writer Lizzie Manno's piece in Paste. Her review is mostly accurate, although she doesn't appear to know that the members of the Monkees were recruited to play a band for a TV show, and on their own decided to actually pursue a real-life effort to embark on a music career outside of Hollywood. You can read her article here.


Robert Kinsler

The Psychedelic Furs share new song "Come All Ye Faithful" from forthcoming album 'Made Of Rain'

So exciting that The Psychedelic Furs have a new album coming out at the end of next month. You can get a listen to the new track "Come All Ye Faithful" from that album now. The band was fantastic when I caught them on July 19, 2018 - read that review here...

The Psychedelic Furs' new song 'Come All Ye Faithful'  AVAILABLE NOW

Taken from the forthcoming album 'Made Of Rain' 

“…their strongest since Forever Now.” 

MOJO ****

 

“An elegant and grand showstopper.” 

UNCUT 8/10

 

“Art-rock archdukes…are back with the mesmerising ‘Made of Rain.'” 

RECORD COLLECTOR

 

“Well worth the wait.” 

VIVE LE ROCK 8/10

The Psychedelic Furs have today made available a new song, "Come All Ye Faithful," from their highly anticipated new album, Made Of Rain, released through Cooking Vinyl on Friday 31st July. "Come All Ye Faithful" is the fourth track to be released ahead of the album, alongside "No-One," "Don’t Believe" and "You’ll Be Mine." All four tracks can be streamed and downloaded immediately when you preorder Made Of Rain from: https://psychfurs.lnk.to/MoR.

Made Of Rain is available on CD, Double Gatefold vinyl in limited splatter and color variants as well as exclusive formats and autographed options via the Official Store.

 

From its exhilarating opening bars, Made Of Rain is classic Psychedelic Furs in both its sound and execution. It’s a joy to hear again, fresher than ever. Their peerless permutations of art, aggression and ambience drive the dynamics, and it’s always been this originality which has set them apart, a cut above. The album was produced by Richard Fortus with The Psychedelic Furs, whilst mixing duties were handled by Tim Palmer (David Bowie, U2, Robert Plant).

Richard Butler of the Psychedelic Furs greets fans at Pacific
Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa on Thursday, July 19, 2018.
(Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos, OC Fair & Event Center)

The Psychedelic Furs released seven critically acclaimed studio albums - The Psychedelic Furs (1980), Talk Talk Talk (1981), Forever Now (1982), Mirror Moves (1984), Midnight To Midnight (1987), Book Of Days (1989) and World Outside (1991). They released many classic singles throughout the ’80’s and into the 90’s, including: "Sister Europe," "Love My Way," "The Ghost In You," "Pretty In Pink," "Heaven," "Heartbreak Beat," "All That Money Wants" and "Until She Comes."

In recent years the band have toured continually, completing a tour of North America in 2019 and played acclaimed shows at The Hollywood Bowl, All Points East, Hyde Park and Benicàssim. A celebrated handful of UK shows including headlining the prestigious Meltdown at the Royal Festival Hall at Robert Smith of The Cure’s request. This past October, the band played a sold-out tour of the UK and Europe which culminated in a triumphant show at the Roundhouse in London. The Furs will return to London on April 27th 2021 to headline their rescheduled Royal Albert Hall show.

The last few years has seen the band’s legend growing, highlighted by the fact they have scored over 150 million streams of their songs worldwide. Their influence since arriving on the post-punk scorched-earth landscape four decades ago has reverberated and resonated from everyone from The Strokes to The Killers to REM to Foo Fighters to Bob Dylan has sung their praises.

The six-piece line-up features fellow founder Tim Butler (Richard’s brother) on bass, Mars Williams on saxophone, Rich Good on guitar, Paul Garisto on drums and Amanda Kramer on keyboards.

CONNECT WITH THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS:

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The Psychedelic Furs upcoming album, 'Made of Rain' moves release date to July 31, 2020

Today comes news about one of the year's most highly-anticipated album releases, The Psychedelic Furs' upcoming 'Made of Rain.'

On a somewhat related note, you can read my review of the band's memorable July 2018 concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA here.

Richard Butler of the Psychedelic Furs greets fans at Pacific
Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa on Thursday, July 19, 2018.
(Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos, OC Fair & Event Center)

The much-anticipated upcoming studio album by The Psychedelic Furs Made of Rain has moved to July 31 by Cooking Vinyl. The Psychedelic Furs have released the following statement via their Facebook page, "Due to the current situation we are all facing around the world, and because of the logistical issues it has presented us with, we have made the difficult decision to reschedule the release of Made Of Rain to July 31st. It's been a long time since we've put out a new album, and we want to make sure that we can make it available to everyone. A bit of a delay will allow us to do that. Thanks for your patience! #PFurs #MadeOfRain #StaySafe"

 

For The Psychedelic Furs touring information: http://www.thepsychedelicfurs.com/#shows

Concerts Aplenty: Psychedelic Furs, Thomas Dolby, Earth, Wind & Fire

Richard Butler of the Psychedelic Furs greets fans at Pacific
Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa on Thursday, July 19, 2018.
(Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos, OC Fair & Event Center)

My schedule has been decidedly hectic for the past several weeks, so I haven't had time to check in and share news on a trio of noteworthy shows I've caught dating back to July 19.

Catching the Psychedelic Furs live has always been on my "bucket list" so I can report catching the band at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa on July 19 was worth the wait. Lead singer Richard Butler proved to be an interesting and energetic frontman and some of his mannerisms reminded me of David Bowie. The six-member band delivered a mix of enduring hits ("Love My Way," "The Ghost in You," "Pretty in Pink," "Heartbreak Beat," "Heaven") and lesser-known gems. 

Cy Curnin of the Fixx performs at
Pacific Amphitheatre on Thursday, July 19, 2018.
(Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos, OC Fair & Event Center)

Two of my favorite other bands of the era also performed on the bill, including Los Angeles-spawned quartet X and alternative rockers the Fixx. I've seen X and the Fixx a number of times on previous occasions dating back to the 1980s and both bands continue to deliver powerful shows built around songs that stand the test of time. In particular Fixx classics such as "Saved by Zero," "Red Skies" and "Stand or Fall" rank among the best rockers of the 1980s.

All three bands were fantastic and this was truly a memorable night.


Make sure to check out writer George A. Paul's full-length review of that show here.

Thomas Dolby in concert and conversation at Largo at the Coronet.
Photo courtesy of Roland

Fast forward to July 25, 2018 and only my second-ever chance to catch groundbreaking English composer/singer-songwriter/keyboardist Thomas Dolby at Largo at the Coronet. 

This was an incredible two-part show where Dolby would have audience members reach into a hat and pull out small ping pong balls with the names of some of his most beloved material. Dolby would then tackle each of those songs, discussing the song and its creation and then performing the song solo. A very special night that included arresting versions of classic originals including "Hyperactive," "Europa and the Pirate Twins," "One Of Our Submarines" and "She Blinded Me With Science."

To read a full-length report on this special performance, see writer Donna Balancia's review on the California Rocker site here.

Earth, Wind & Fire performing at the Pacific Amphitheatre on
Friday, July 27, 2018.
Photo courtesy of the Orange County Fair.

Finally, last night (July 27, 2018I got to catch Earth, Wind & Fire at the Pacific Amphitheatre. While the audience seated around us was mostly awful (and generally far more interested in taking selfies, going on beer runs and chatting than listening to the group), the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers performed more than 90 minutes in a flawless performance. I am always astounded how original the group is, having masterfully forged a long list of hits with a blend of R&B, funk, soul, disco, rock, pop and Afro pop sounds. 

Opening with the infectious 1975 hit "Sing a Song," it was clear the dynamics of the popular track were enhanced by virtuoso skills of the 12 musicians on stage, including a great three-man horn section. Many other hits and deep cuts followed, including the aptly-titled "Shining Star," a stellar cover of the Beatles' "Got to Get You into my Life," the shimmering "Fantasy" (this writer's favorite track of the night), "September," "Boogie Wonderland" and many more.

The band still features three of its key members from its classic period including singer-percussionist Philip Bailey, percussionist Ralph Johnson and bassist Verdine White (sadly group founder Maurice White passed away in February 2016). Bailey's signature falsetto vocals continue to be a wonder, as evidenced by soaring performances of the ballads "Reasons" and "After the Love Has Gone." And there is simply no way to slow down Verdine White, who is one of the most fun musicians to watch as he bounds around the stage and works his bass guitar with an infectious passion.

Now, if only the magic of the band's performance could have cast a spell on the capacity crowd to connect with EW&F like our group did!

Robert Kinsler