The Psychedelic Furs

One of the most influential new wave bands, The Psychedelic Furs formed in 1977 out of the British post-punk scene. Developing in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the band blended punk with art rock to create a more refined sound that would never lose its gritty edge, exemplified by lead singer Richard Butler’s guttural croon. The Furs' eponymous debut album was respected by punk fans and mainstream audiences in the UK, while its 1981 follow-up, Talk Talk Talk, broke through to American audiences and ushered in the band’s commercial success. The band's edgy sound is a trademark of the 1980s, particularly the song "Pretty in Pink," which is immortalized in John Hughes' iconic 1986 film of the same name. The band broke up in the early 1990s, but reformed after almost a decade in remission, and continues to tour worldwide.