The Psychedelic Furs and The Jesus and the Mary Chain Concert Review.

On November 9th, 2024, I drove to Inglewood, CA. Not for the Clipper Game that very evening nor the Cosom. No, it was YouTube Theater, a 6,000-seat tiny sibling venue nestled in the column arm of its larger brother So-Fi Stadium, which was hosting none other than the legends themselves, the Jesus and Mary Chain and The Psychedelic Furs, on their final tour stop. Both alternative/indie rock bands started their fame during the 80s with the albums Darklands, Automatic, Talk Talk, Talk, and Forever Now. Cementing their pop culture status in many film content across the decades.

And must I say it was a wonderful concert? Dressed in a black skull print t-shirt, dark pants, skull necklace, and fitting jacket. I could not have asked for anything better. Parking was simple. The lines moved quickly. The staff was polite, and when the lights darkened, the real fun began. The first opening act was Frankie Rose, with a rich, booming ceramic voice like a modern-day Ian Curtis but for alternative rock. And What's not to enjoy about her? a booming voice, and a pleasant demeanor. She was a joy to see perform. Making myself happy later to see onstage with The Jesus and Mary Chain, they flawlessly sang Hope Sandoval's second pair vocal in "Something Always" and "Just Like Honey"!

But the Jesus and Mary Chain. Oh my, they brought out the fog machine, which dissipated all over the stage and cast shadows on the Reid brothers and band members. Playing Jamcord's spooky techno rhythm off their 2024 album track. Going through song after song of Head On, Some Candy Talking, and Reverence, to name a few. Shining various lights in green, blue, red, and yellow for each song throughout the entire venue, revolving like a disco ball. They certainly kept the crowd excited for The Psychedelic Furs.

The audience chanted multiple times to see their heroes parade on stage. Crowding together, charging forward toward the stage, phones ready to record. A mere glimpse of the band I believe would have caused tears of Joy. By 9:50, I was Walking casually on stage in the gorgeous purple mist. The members were Richard Butler, his brother Tim Butler, Kramer, Good, and Alford. Hitting off the set with The Boy that Invented Rock & Roll”. Richard showcases superb hand gestures reminiscent of Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan. Dancing all over the stage from left to right, matching his movements to the beats. The pit of fans near the stage below swayed from side to side to the mellow riffs of The Ghost in You, Love My Way, All of the Law, President Gas, Mr. Jones, Pulse, Heartbreak Beat, and Pretty In Pink, which, to be honest, was the emotional high point of the night. The camera crew zoomed in on fans' faces, crying with their heart out, lip-syncing along to a song that was their teenage anthem throughout high school. Ending the night with Heaven.

The band took their bows and left, not before throwing guitar picks into the crowd. Even though their tour has ended, I highly recommend seeing all three acts (Frankie Rose, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and the Psychedelic Furs) anytime they are on tour in a city near you. With songs still relevant to this day and age. This is Rift. Signing off.

Setlist for the Night

Frankie Rose:

1. Trouble
2. Night Swim
3. Sixteen Ways
4. Red Museum
5. Moon in My Mind
6. Minor Times

The Jesus and Mary Chain:

1. Jamcod
2. April Skies
3. Head On
4. Happy when it Rains
5. All Things Pass
6. Chemical Animal
7. Some Candy Talking
8. Far Gone and Out
9. Venal Joy
10. Blues From a Gun
11. Between Planets
12. In a Hole
13. Sometimes Always (with Frankie Rose)
14. Just like Honey (with Frankie Rose)
15. Reverence

The Psychedelic Furs:

1. The Boy that Invented Rock & Roll
2. The Ghost in You
3. So Run Down
4. Only You and I
5. Wrong train
6. Love My Way
7. All of the Law
8. President Gas
9. Pretty In Pink
10. Mr Jones
11. Pulse
12. Heartbreak Beat
13. Heaven