The second Psychedelic Furs concert at the Revolution Hall in Portland, Oregon in 2016 was the best concert that I ever went to, and still is to this day. But do you know what's my second best concert? The one that I'm going to talk about right now. Two nights ago my brother and I went to our fourth Psychedelic Furs show at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland. The fourth concert was honestly one of the most awesome and beautiful nights of my life, and probably the most emotional one for me.
On the day before the concert I couldn't believe I would see The Psychedelic Furs again, and it didn't even feel like it was going to happen. I was looking forward to it, especially since I wasn't able to see The Furs last year. I had been waiting for that moment to happen, and it finally did. After two whole years of waiting.
Two days ago at around noon my brother and I left for Portland and after arriving at 2:30 we drove around town to find a parking spot that was available. I think it took us like 15 minutes but finally we found one and then walked over to the Crystal Ballroom. We decided to go to this place that's across the Ballroom and it was a record store called Everyday Music. Before we went inside suddenly we heard a faint sound, and we realized it was The Psychedelic Furs soundchecking! They were performing "The Ghost In You" and it was so awesome. It's amazing how you could hear the music outside. After noticing the sound we went inside and it was a really cool store. I checked the place where The Psychedelic Furs' albums were and there were two copies of The Psychedelic Furs' first album, and one of my favorites, Midnight To Midnight. They were all the 2018 reissues. An employee mentioned to us the soundcheck outside and said she wished she could see The Furs. She regretted not going but she had seen them live before. I expressed my sympathy to her, because I totally knew how she felt.
After looking around we went back to the venue and just stood by where the magnificent tour bus was, waiting. It was hot though, like 88 degrees but thankfully we weren't in the sun. While standing someone walked over to the tour bus to go inside and I kind of glanced at him. I realized that guy was the drummer, Paul Garisto, and it was cool seeing him. Not long after Paul went inside the bus he came out and went back to the venue. The Crystal Ballroom is part of the McMenamin's building and next door to the venue was a restaurant and pub. Suddenly the manager (?) of the restaurant came up to us and asked if we were waiting for the concert. My brother said yes and she invited us inside the restaurant, which was really nice of her. As we went inside she said that if we spend $15 on food and/or drinks we could get into the venue a little earlier. Now that was awesome.
My brother and I went to a table and sat down, and it was really nice in there; much better than being in the hot weather. We got some water and shared something to eat. For drinks my brother got a mango habanero margarita and I a Coke. While we were sitting comfortably my brother told me "Sarah, look behind you." I looked over and through the window outside I saw the one and only Richard Butler by the tour bus. Some middle-aged guy walked up to Richard and Richard was signing something for him. I was in awe, and I kept looking back and forth at my brother and Richard. I caught a glimpse of Richard's gorgeous smile (sigh...<3) and after shaking the guy's hand he went inside the bus. At points through the window I saw Paul Garisto again, and I also saw Tim Butler, the bassist and Richard's brother, saxophonist Mars Williams, keyboardist Amanda Kramer, and guitarist Rich Good, who I had met twice before. To think I saw all of the band members was absolutely amazing.
At about 6:00 the venue staff came inside the restaurant and were scanning some of the people's tickets. We got ours scanned and then 25 minutes later we went in line. While waiting I looked at some of the people ahead who got the $15 deal like us and I became really nervous, because I wanted to be in the front row again and wondered if we would make it after all. Finally we got in the venue (15 minutes earlier than the normal line) and we went up the stairs. We were about to go in a room but my brother realized it was the balcony. We hurriedly went down and walked into the right area, then went over to the barrier and successfully made it! There was a gap between the barrier and the stage so that the security and photographers would walk through. We were on the left side and it's definitely an awesome spot, because we would be facing Rich Good! I wondered if Rich would recognize me.
I buried my head in my hands, feeling so relieved. I'm at the barrier. I made it. The last time I was in the front row was three years ago, when my brother and I saw The Psychedelic Furs the second time. The third time we saw The Furs we couldn't make it to the front row so we had to sit in the balcony. The third concert was great like always, but sitting in the balcony feels like you're looking through a window watching them. I didn't mind being at the balcony when I saw Howard Jones back in June, but with The Psychedelic Furs, my favorite band, it's so much fun being in the front row. You want to be in the center of it all, and you want the band members to notice you, to know that you exist. Plus you get to see them up close in person. As I've heard someone say, there's nothing like being at the barrier.
The first two bands were James and LA band Dear Boy, and they were great. Dear Boy performed first, since they're the special guests for The Furs' Summer tour, and the lead singer Ben Grey sort of reminded me of Richard Butler, mainly with his light brown hair. Before Dear Boy performed the last song Ben thanked The Psychedelic Furs and said that The Furs are one of the band's major influences. I thought that was awesome, imagine touring with a band that you look up to. After the concert when my brother and I went to the merchandise area Dear Boy was there selling their stuff and talking to people. We shook Ben's hand, and he was really nice.
After Dear Boy and James performed we waited for The Psychedelic Furs to come on stage while listening to the intermission music. The two songs that were the highlights were "Sound And Vision" by David Bowie, and to my surprise, "Christine" by Siouxsie & The Banshees. I sang along to the latter song, and last January I got into The Banshees after reading my Psychedelic Furs biography (they were mentioned quite a bit in the earlier chapters) and also hearing Morrissey and Siouxsie's 1994 duet "Interlude." Now Siouxsie & The Banshees are one of my favorite bands, and I wish I got into their music earlier.
On the day before the concert I couldn't believe I would see The Psychedelic Furs again, and it didn't even feel like it was going to happen. I was looking forward to it, especially since I wasn't able to see The Furs last year. I had been waiting for that moment to happen, and it finally did. After two whole years of waiting.
Two days ago at around noon my brother and I left for Portland and after arriving at 2:30 we drove around town to find a parking spot that was available. I think it took us like 15 minutes but finally we found one and then walked over to the Crystal Ballroom. We decided to go to this place that's across the Ballroom and it was a record store called Everyday Music. Before we went inside suddenly we heard a faint sound, and we realized it was The Psychedelic Furs soundchecking! They were performing "The Ghost In You" and it was so awesome. It's amazing how you could hear the music outside. After noticing the sound we went inside and it was a really cool store. I checked the place where The Psychedelic Furs' albums were and there were two copies of The Psychedelic Furs' first album, and one of my favorites, Midnight To Midnight. They were all the 2018 reissues. An employee mentioned to us the soundcheck outside and said she wished she could see The Furs. She regretted not going but she had seen them live before. I expressed my sympathy to her, because I totally knew how she felt.
After looking around we went back to the venue and just stood by where the magnificent tour bus was, waiting. It was hot though, like 88 degrees but thankfully we weren't in the sun. While standing someone walked over to the tour bus to go inside and I kind of glanced at him. I realized that guy was the drummer, Paul Garisto, and it was cool seeing him. Not long after Paul went inside the bus he came out and went back to the venue. The Crystal Ballroom is part of the McMenamin's building and next door to the venue was a restaurant and pub. Suddenly the manager (?) of the restaurant came up to us and asked if we were waiting for the concert. My brother said yes and she invited us inside the restaurant, which was really nice of her. As we went inside she said that if we spend $15 on food and/or drinks we could get into the venue a little earlier. Now that was awesome.
My brother and I went to a table and sat down, and it was really nice in there; much better than being in the hot weather. We got some water and shared something to eat. For drinks my brother got a mango habanero margarita and I a Coke. While we were sitting comfortably my brother told me "Sarah, look behind you." I looked over and through the window outside I saw the one and only Richard Butler by the tour bus. Some middle-aged guy walked up to Richard and Richard was signing something for him. I was in awe, and I kept looking back and forth at my brother and Richard. I caught a glimpse of Richard's gorgeous smile (sigh...<3) and after shaking the guy's hand he went inside the bus. At points through the window I saw Paul Garisto again, and I also saw Tim Butler, the bassist and Richard's brother, saxophonist Mars Williams, keyboardist Amanda Kramer, and guitarist Rich Good, who I had met twice before. To think I saw all of the band members was absolutely amazing.
At about 6:00 the venue staff came inside the restaurant and were scanning some of the people's tickets. We got ours scanned and then 25 minutes later we went in line. While waiting I looked at some of the people ahead who got the $15 deal like us and I became really nervous, because I wanted to be in the front row again and wondered if we would make it after all. Finally we got in the venue (15 minutes earlier than the normal line) and we went up the stairs. We were about to go in a room but my brother realized it was the balcony. We hurriedly went down and walked into the right area, then went over to the barrier and successfully made it! There was a gap between the barrier and the stage so that the security and photographers would walk through. We were on the left side and it's definitely an awesome spot, because we would be facing Rich Good! I wondered if Rich would recognize me.
I buried my head in my hands, feeling so relieved. I'm at the barrier. I made it. The last time I was in the front row was three years ago, when my brother and I saw The Psychedelic Furs the second time. The third time we saw The Furs we couldn't make it to the front row so we had to sit in the balcony. The third concert was great like always, but sitting in the balcony feels like you're looking through a window watching them. I didn't mind being at the balcony when I saw Howard Jones back in June, but with The Psychedelic Furs, my favorite band, it's so much fun being in the front row. You want to be in the center of it all, and you want the band members to notice you, to know that you exist. Plus you get to see them up close in person. As I've heard someone say, there's nothing like being at the barrier.
The first two bands were James and LA band Dear Boy, and they were great. Dear Boy performed first, since they're the special guests for The Furs' Summer tour, and the lead singer Ben Grey sort of reminded me of Richard Butler, mainly with his light brown hair. Before Dear Boy performed the last song Ben thanked The Psychedelic Furs and said that The Furs are one of the band's major influences. I thought that was awesome, imagine touring with a band that you look up to. After the concert when my brother and I went to the merchandise area Dear Boy was there selling their stuff and talking to people. We shook Ben's hand, and he was really nice.
After Dear Boy and James performed we waited for The Psychedelic Furs to come on stage while listening to the intermission music. The two songs that were the highlights were "Sound And Vision" by David Bowie, and to my surprise, "Christine" by Siouxsie & The Banshees. I sang along to the latter song, and last January I got into The Banshees after reading my Psychedelic Furs biography (they were mentioned quite a bit in the earlier chapters) and also hearing Morrissey and Siouxsie's 1994 duet "Interlude." Now Siouxsie & The Banshees are one of my favorite bands, and I wish I got into their music earlier.
After waiting 30 minutes the moment finally arrived. The walk-on music was some opera, and the band members came on stage first. I was ecstatic, I cheered, it was really happening. And then Richard Butler appeared. They all looked fantastic in person close up, especially Richard. Richard said "hello" to us and the band started the first song, "Love My Way." The setlist was amazing, and it was great to hear "Sister Europe," "Into You Like A Train," "So Run Down," the new song "The Boy That Invented Rock And Roll," and "Sleep Comes Down." "Sister Europe" was mesmerizing, and the way Rich Good played was calming and beautiful. After being familiar with "The Boy That Invented Rock And Roll" it was so awesome hearing it in person. On "Sleep Comes Down" The Furs brought one of the members of James to perform alongside Mars Williams.
Richard Butler was absolutely wonderful and I admire him a lot. During the show Richard would go over to our side and perform to us, and it was so cool seeing him close up. He was wearing his sunglasses but I could tell he looked at me at times. While watching him it made me want to write a blog about how awesome Richard is. He's definitely my favorite male vocalist of all time, and there's no one like him.
While the concert was happening some great moments happened. Tim Butler would sing right back at me many times and I even got a photo of him looking at me. When The Furs performed "Pretty In Pink" Tim was singing to me again, and as I stood on my toes singing right back at him suddenly his face lit up while he looked at me. I had a strong feeling that Tim noticed my t-shirt, which has a picture of The Furs from the "Pretty In Pink '86" days. I thought that was awesome and it was fitting wearing the shirt while the song was being performed. During "India" Tim and I sang the line "See the ceiling raining spit/The beach is backwards/Isn't it?" to each other and he gave me an approving nod. It was great!
While the concert was happening some great moments happened. Tim Butler would sing right back at me many times and I even got a photo of him looking at me. When The Furs performed "Pretty In Pink" Tim was singing to me again, and as I stood on my toes singing right back at him suddenly his face lit up while he looked at me. I had a strong feeling that Tim noticed my t-shirt, which has a picture of The Furs from the "Pretty In Pink '86" days. I thought that was awesome and it was fitting wearing the shirt while the song was being performed. During "India" Tim and I sang the line "See the ceiling raining spit/The beach is backwards/Isn't it?" to each other and he gave me an approving nod. It was great!
But the highlight of the concert was something that made me so happy, and I still can't believe it happened. The highlight was that... Rich Good remembered me. Rich Good recognized me. Can you believe that?! It happened during "Love My Way" and I looked up at Rich and he looked at me, smiling. I waved at him and then his face lit up with recognition and did a little wave back! I was blown away, and after he did that I shouted to my brother "I think he remembered me!" Then later when they performed "The Ghost In You" Rich was singing the backing vocals during the first chorus and I was looking up at him. The whole time Rich was singing he looked at me and smiled, and he waved again!! After when he waved at me I got so excited, it was one of the most awesome things that happened to me. Throughout the show Rich smiled at me two more times. As the band members were leaving to go prepare for the encore Rich threw his guitar pick at our direction and I, my brother and a couple people tried to catch it but one of the people got it. I totally didn't mind though, because I already have two from the times I met him. Having Rich Good remember me was the greatest gift I got from him on that night.
During the concert I was in Heaven. I was cheering, singing along, and became emotional. I cried a little bit while watching them, because I was so happy to be there and being at the barrier seeing them for the first time in two years. When the show was over my legs were numb and sort of wobbly, and I was emotionally drained. When my brother and I got in the car I sat in my seat just dazed. I was tired (I only got a couple hours of sleep), my legs were hurting, and I was hot from the weather but I was really, really happy. I was on cloud nine during the ride home, and I quietly broke down to myself.
Now this wasn't the first time I cried during a concert. The first time that happened was when I saw Green Day in 2017 and I remember telling my mom (who went with me) I would probably be an emotional wreck. At that show when I saw Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool come up on stage I almost broke down because I had waited 12 years to see them. Then I cried during "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" because it's my favorite Green Day song, and I got emotional during the encore. Even though I cried during the Green Day concert I wasn't an emotional wreck after all, and I thought I would be. I still love Green Day after all these years but... The Psychedelic Furs are more special to me.
It's because The Furs had changed my life, had helped me so much, and made me become a new person through their music and seeing them in concert. When I would think about the years before I discovered The Furs I didn't like who I used to be. Before I felt like I'm stupid and not good enough at times. Now I'm happy with myself, and I feel I am worthy after all. Plus all of the great moments happened like meeting Rich Good twice and giving The Furs a letter. Back then I never imagined those things would ever happen to me.
I'm now sad that it's officially over but I will always remember that night. Like I said earlier, it was one of the most beautiful nights of my life and is now my second favorite concert. Thank you Psychedelic Furs so much for everything you had done for me. I can't believe I got to watch you for the fourth time and you were all incredible. I miss you a lot right now and I hope I will see you guys again soon. Thank you... <3
Setlist:
1. Love My Way
2. Mr. Jones
3. The Ghost In You
4. Sister Europe
5. So Run Down
6. Heaven
7. Into You Like A Train
8. The Boy That Invented Rock And Roll
9. Pretty In Pink
10. President Gas
11. Sleep Comes Down
12. Heartbreak Beat
Encore:
13. India
*All photos by me.*
Now this wasn't the first time I cried during a concert. The first time that happened was when I saw Green Day in 2017 and I remember telling my mom (who went with me) I would probably be an emotional wreck. At that show when I saw Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool come up on stage I almost broke down because I had waited 12 years to see them. Then I cried during "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" because it's my favorite Green Day song, and I got emotional during the encore. Even though I cried during the Green Day concert I wasn't an emotional wreck after all, and I thought I would be. I still love Green Day after all these years but... The Psychedelic Furs are more special to me.
It's because The Furs had changed my life, had helped me so much, and made me become a new person through their music and seeing them in concert. When I would think about the years before I discovered The Furs I didn't like who I used to be. Before I felt like I'm stupid and not good enough at times. Now I'm happy with myself, and I feel I am worthy after all. Plus all of the great moments happened like meeting Rich Good twice and giving The Furs a letter. Back then I never imagined those things would ever happen to me.
I'm now sad that it's officially over but I will always remember that night. Like I said earlier, it was one of the most beautiful nights of my life and is now my second favorite concert. Thank you Psychedelic Furs so much for everything you had done for me. I can't believe I got to watch you for the fourth time and you were all incredible. I miss you a lot right now and I hope I will see you guys again soon. Thank you... <3
Setlist:
1. Love My Way
2. Mr. Jones
3. The Ghost In You
4. Sister Europe
5. So Run Down
6. Heaven
7. Into You Like A Train
8. The Boy That Invented Rock And Roll
9. Pretty In Pink
10. President Gas
11. Sleep Comes Down
12. Heartbreak Beat
Encore:
13. India
*All photos by me.*
