The Psychedelic Furs Bring Four Decades of Alternative Rock to Quarry Park

Review and photos by Chris Crone

Rocklin, CA

My history with The Psychedelic Furs goes all the way back to high school in the mid-1980s. Back then, most of my friends and I were firmly planted in the Bay Area thrash metal scene, listening to Metallica, Exodus, Testament, and Death Angel. We had one friend, though, who was just as passionate about The Psychedelic Furs as we were about our metal bands. He was constantly trying to turn us on to their music. While they were about as far removed from my usual musical tastes as you could get, I always recognized the talent, songwriting, and distinctive sound that made them stand out.

Fast forward a few decades, and there I was, making my way to Quarry Park Amphitheater in Rocklin with my cameras, getting ready to photograph and review the very band that one of my high school buddies had spent so much time trying to get us to appreciate. Funny how things come full circle.

This was my first visit to Quarry Park, and as any concert photographer knows, walking into an unfamiliar venue comes with a little homework. Unfortunately, some of the information I found online wasn’t exactly accurate. I had read that the stage was around six feet high and that I would need to rely heavily on my telephoto lenses. Turns out, the stage was considerably lower than that. Still, with a packed house and fans filling every available space, having that extra reach came in handy.

Getting checked in was a little adventure of its own. I initially found myself at what appeared to be a closed ticket window, followed by some confusion about where I was supposed to pick up my ticket and photo credentials. Security hadn’t initially been informed of my arrival, but a few radio conversations later, everything was sorted out. Once that was behind me, I have to say the staff were fantastic. Everyone I encountered throughout the evening was friendly, professional, and more than willing to help.

While waiting for the gates to open, I spent some time talking with fans outside the venue. I learned this was a rescheduled performance and, interestingly, the only date on the affected run that had actually been rescheduled rather than refunded. That says something about the commitment behind this show. I met people who had traveled all the way from Orange County, and just about everyone had a story about discovering The Psychedelic Furs back in their younger days. It was pretty clear this wasn’t just another concert on the calendar. For a lot of these fans, this music has been part of their lives for decades.

Kicking things off was New York indie rock band We Are Scientists

One thing that immediately caught my attention while photographing the bands was the lighting. Anyone who shoots live music knows the frustration of dealing with nothing but red lighting or some combination of colors that makes getting a decent shot feel like trying to photograph a UFO. Thankfully, Quarry Park got this one right. The lighting was vibrant without being overdone, and there was enough front lighting to actually see the performers’ faces. It made for some fantastic shooting opportunities, and I have to give the production crew credit. This was some of the most enjoyable concert lighting I’ve worked with in quite a while.

Before the show, I was escorted toward the front of the venue by Connaire, who shared some background on Quarry Park Amphitheater. Along the way, we ran into Andrew, who was actually the reason I was there in the first place. We had met a few weeks earlier while standing in line at another concert. Naturally, the conversation turned to live music and photography, and he mentioned that The Psychedelic Furs would be coming to Quarry Park. One conversation led to another, and here I was, camera in hand, getting ready to photograph one of the most recognizable alternative rock bands of the last four decades. Sometimes the best opportunities come from simply striking up a conversation.

Because of space limitations, photographers would be shooting alongside the audience rather than from a traditional photo pit. No problem. I introduced myself to a few fans near the front, let them know I’d do my best not to get in their way, and found my spot. The crowd was incredibly accommodating, and everyone seemed to understand we were all there for the same reason.

When The Psychedelic Furs finally took the stage, the response from the crowd was immediate. Frontman Richard Butler remains one of those unmistakable voices in alternative rock. His distinctive delivery is just as recognizable today as it was back in the ’80s, and he still has the stage presence to hold an audience’s attention.

Backing him up was his brother Tim Butler on bass, along with Rich Good and Peter DiStefano on guitars, Amanda Kramer on keyboards, and Zachary Alford behind the drums. Together, they delivered a performance that showed exactly why the band has remained relevant for so many years. The musicianship was solid, the sound was full, and there was no shortage of chemistry onstage. This wasn’t a band simply going through the motions or relying on nostalgia. They came to play, and the audience was right there with them.

Looking out across Quarry Park, the place appeared to be packed from front to back. Fans were singing along, moving to the music, and soaking up every minute. What I enjoyed most was looking around and seeing so many different generations represented in the crowd. Some had obviously been following the band since the early days, while others were discovering that music for themselves. Either way, the connection was there. These songs have clearly stood the test of time, and you could feel it throughout the venue.

After the show, I had the opportunity to meet guitarist Rich Good. I’m not usually one to ask musicians for a photo, but I figured this was one worth making an exception for. Rich was incredibly gracious, taking time to visit with fans, sign memorabilia, and pose for pictures. It’s always nice to see musicians take the time to connect with the people who support them, and Rich certainly made a good impression.

By the time the evening wrapped up, I was walking away with a new appreciation for Quarry Park Amphitheater. For my first visit, it certainly made a great impression. The staff were welcoming, the production was excellent, the lighting was fantastic, and the setting made for a really enjoyable night of live music. From a photographer’s perspective, there were also plenty of interesting angles and vantage points to work with.

And as for The Psychedelic Furs? Well, I guess my old high school buddy might have been onto something after all. I may have spent most of my younger years with Metallica, Exodus, and Testament blasting through my speakers, but there’s no denying the impact The Psychedelic Furs have had on alternative rock.

It was great finally getting the opportunity to photograph and experience them live. The band delivered, the fans showed up, and Quarry Park gave us a fantastic place to enjoy it all.

Not bad for a kid who grew up listening to thrash metal and needed a little convincing back in the ’80s.

Categories: Concert Photography