Vibrant Godfather of Goth: Peter Murphy

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PETER MURPHY'S GRAVELY resonant voice and gauntly androgynous appearance made him an iconic presence in the influential goth bands Bauhaus and Love & Rockets, earning him the nickname the Godfather of Goth.

In recent years, however, he seemed intent on overturning any expectations raised by his gloomy reputation. While he rarely tours America as a headliner, he has launched the Secret Cover Tour, playing more intimate venues and highlighting material from his upcoming solo album.

In between new songs, he runs through old hits like "Cuts You Up" and the evergreen "Bela Lugosi's Dead," fan favorites like "Marlene Dietrich's Favourite Poem" and "Deep Ocean, Vast Sea."

More crucially, the man who used to dress up as a vampire for shows and enter the stage in a coffin now banters warmly between songs and graciously shakes hands with fans.

But his music still bristles with anomie and disaffection that may alienate casual listeners but continues to attract avid fans. Murphy is aging gracefully, as rock stars rarely do.

» State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; Fri., July 3, 9 p.m., $25-$30; 703-237-0300.

Written by Express contributor Stephen M. Deusner
Photo courtesy Vanguard