10 Questions with ... Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

1. What caused you to want to start a band?

My brother Richard and I saw the Sex Pistols play at the 100 Club in 1976 and we were blown away by their image, attitude and sheer power on stage. We said to each other we could do that … so we did!

2. What made you relocate to America?

We initially moved to America because our career took off so quickly there and there was a good deal of demand for us there. Plus, we loved all the mystique and excitement New York City had!

3. When John Hughes wrote the film, "Pretty In Pink" based on your song, was it a blessing or a curse for the band?

A bit of both! We certainly got a much bigger fanbase from it, but a lot of the new fans were more of a teeny crowd and some of our older, more hardcore fans might have felt as if we’d sold them out. Oddly, the film’s story had nothing to do with the content of the song at all.

4. In the ‘80s the Furs dominated the radio charts, where do you find those listeners that grew up with you now?

They are everywhere … in all aspects of society. They still come to see us, and often they bring their kids! We’re often surprised at some of the people that we wouldn’t have guessed grew up a fan.

5. Recently, you've toured with some incredible and iconic acts, which ones stand out?

Lots! We’ve been very fortunate to have great bands tour with us. I really enjoyed James last summer, they are really nice people and their music is cool!

6. What inspired you to write new material and record a new album After 29 years? Have some of the songs on Made Of Rain been with you for a while?

Just in being out there in the world and hearing music around us all the time, we decided that we still had something to say musically and lyrically. A few of the songs were written some time ago, but most were written in the months before we recorded the album.

7. Richard Fortus, who currently plays guitar with Guns n' Roses produced the album with you. How did that come about and how does he stack up among your past producers like Steve Lillywhite, Todd Rundgren and Keith Forsey?

Richard Fortus was great! And all those producers are extraordinarily talented. Richard was an old friend, fan and knew the band really well. He was able to remind us of what we did best (and worst! … lol). He was an absolute pleasure to work with, he has phenomenal musical sensibilities and created relaxed, productive, creative sessions.

8. How has touring changed over the years for the Furs?

It’s on our terms. We tour how and when we want without the old pressures that made it a grind. It’s fun again!

9. You're playing Royal Albert Hall in May, any favorite venues in the past few years?

There are some incredible venues out there. The Roundhouse in London last year comes to mind -- I remember seeing John Cale there and Billy Idol when he was still in Generation X back in 1978 or ‘79. The Hollywood Bowl was amazing too.

10. How do you view today's musical scene and the new ways music is being discovered and consumed?

I think it’s really great. From our point of view the more ways to get music out there the better, whether it’s streaming or anything else … bring it on.

If you could, what advice would you give the young Psychedelic Furs when they first started out?

Whatever outside pressures or distractions come up … stick to your ideals. Always be true to yourself.

Photo credit: Matthew Reeves