LIVE FROM THE PIT: The Psychedelic Furs, Anja Huwe

With ever darkening nights and dreary rain, a warm welcome is The Psychedelic Furs with their 2025 UK and European Tour. Kickstarting in Wolverhampton at the Wulfrun Hall with post-punk rock to heal your soul and lift your spirits.

As a steadily building crowd forms, standing shoulder to shoulder but still with plenty of room to dance, a mix of faces, ages and styles. The setup on stage is simple, nothing fancy but that only allows the audience to enjoy the music without any distractions. Mic stands, guitars, keyboard and a drum set- everything needed for a classic night of rock. 

Taking to the stage first is our support for the evening, Anja Huwe. Legendary in her own right from the 1980s where she was the lead singer for German post-punk band Xmal Deutschland ze, to her own separate career into visual arts and now rightfully back on stage. Commanding an entire audience with ease, phrases are repeated in German, almost hypnotic in nature. After a decades long hiatus from music and performing you might expect some nerves but Anja stands strong, confident and never missing a beat. Hands outstretched and reaching for the sky while her accompanying band blend and drift us through rhythmic, rock and even tranquil numbers. 

Confident, comfortable and ready to capture their audience’s attention, The Psychedelic Furs kicked off their set with “Heaven”. Using the stage to its full, our lead singer and 3 guitarists swap and wander around- interacting with each other, other members of the band and most importantly the audience. It’s clear to see that fans are having fun, with a healthy amount of dancing, singing along and for many a reminder of the success the band had from the 1980s onwards. 

Stretching to the top of the ceiling to crouched down as low as possible, Richard Butler- our lead singer, connects with the crowd on every level. Crouched with legs crossed with ease, dressed in a black suit and sunglasses, a true visualiser of post-punk. The Psychedelic Furs were formed by Richard Butler and his brother, fellow bandmate on bass Tim Butler in 1977. Kicked out of their family’s front room makeshift rehearsal space due to the noise, to performing on a variety of stages around the world. Completing the band lineup is Rich Good on lead guitar, Zack Alford on drums and Amanda Kramer on keyboard.

“Love My Way” is met with an excited hum as the familiar tune reaches our ears. For many this is a fan favourite and easily one of their most recognisable hits, featuring the distinctive xylophone and lyrics about sexuality. A golden wash lights the stage, a fog of haze that creeps towards the roof steadily. The song was written for gay people by Richard Butler, a simple statement of not wanting people to worry about their sexuality and that it was and isn’t to this day a problem. It shouts from the rooftops that you should be uniquely you with no shame despite what others might think, it’s not a life worth living if you aren’t being 100% yourself. 

Famously one of their biggest hits to date in the US and UK,  “Pretty in Pink” which was used in the 1986 film by John Hughes aptly titled ‘Pretty In Pink’. With pink lights framing the stage, slowly flashing in and out, and fans at the bottom of stage which blast the haze upwards and provide added movement to the bands clothes and hair, it’s easy to get lost in the fun of this number. 

For their Encore “It Goes On” and “India” bring a conclusion to the post-punk alternative rock evening. A shorter set but one filled with hits and a steady flow from The Psychedelic Furs catalogue. Delivered with ease and with the same quality performance the Furs are known for, a perfect night out from new wave alternative to post-punk and even some heavy, whatever you like: The Psychedelic Furs has something for everyone.

Words & Photos: Tyler Whiting