Will Butler, a founding member of Arcade Fire and the younger brother of frontman Win Butler, has announced that he’s left the band. Breaking the news on Twitter, Butler wrote, “I left at the end of last year, after the new record was complete. There was no acute reason beyond that I’ve changed — and the band has changed — over the last almost 20 years. Time for new things.”
He continued: “I’m working on a new record; booking some shows this summer. I’m working on music for a David Adjmi play (which is so good). A few other projects percolating. Thank you to anyone who’s come out to AF shows, or bought a record, or loves our music. It’s meaningful to be part of your lives. Thank you to the crew, staff, management, label people, bands, artists, and friends who have helped bring our vision to life for so many years. The band are still my friends and family. I’ll be around! See you around!”
Will Butler joined Arcade Fire shortly after the group was formed and has contributed to every release since the band’s debut album, 2004’s Funeral, including their new album WE. However, he does not appear on the music video for its lead single ‘The Lightning I, II’, which arrived earlier this week.
Will Butler’s last solo album was 2020’s Generations. Before that, he issued Friday Night in 2016 and his solo debut Policy in 2015.
I left at the end of last year, after the new record was complete. There was no acute reason beyond that I’ve changed—and the band has changed—over the last almost 20 years. Time for new things.
— Will Butler (@butlerwills) March 19, 2022
I was at Paul Farmer’s memorial service last weekend. The words from the ceremony, and the challenge of his life, remain at the front of my mind: pic.twitter.com/32K4Svwbsp
— Will Butler (@butlerwills) March 19, 2022
Thank you to anyone who’s come out to AF shows, or bought a record, or loves our music. It’s meaningful to be part of your lives. Thank you to the crew, staff, management, label people, bands, artists, and friends who have helped bring our vision to life for so many years
— Will Butler (@butlerwills) March 19, 2022
I’ll be around! See you around!
—Will
— Will Butler (@butlerwills) March 19, 2022