Will Butler, co-founder of Arcade Fire and brother of frontman Win Butler, has announced his departure from the band. In today’s Twitter thread, he explains: “I left at the end of last year when the new album was ready. There was no compelling reason other than that I had changed – and the band had changed – in the last almost 20 years. Time for new things.” He adds, “The band is still my friends and family.” He says he’s working on a new solo album (following 2020’s Generations) and music for a David Ajmi play, and has “a few other projects.”
Will has been noticeably absent from the band’s performances this week as they release their new WE album, their first in five years. Dan Bechner, best known as a member of Wolf Parade, filled in for him. Nothing is yet known about whether Beckner will stick with Arcade Fire or what their long-term plans are for Will’s replacement.
Read Will Butler’s post about leaving Arcade Fire below.
I left at the end of last year, after the new album was ready. There was no compelling reason other than that I had changed – and the band had changed – in 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 in my memory: pic.twitter.com/32K4Svwbsp
— Will Butler (@butlerwills) March 19, 2022
Thanks to everyone who came to AF concerts, bought a record or loves our music. It makes sense to be a part of your life. Thanks to the team, staff, management, label representatives, bands, artists and friends who have helped bring our vision to life for so many years.
— Will Butler (@butlerwills) March 19, 2022
I will be near! See you!
-I will
— Will Butler (@butlerwills) March 19, 2022