Will Butler left Arcade Fire after 18 years with an indie rock band.
The multi-instrumentalist, brother of Arcade Fire vocalist Win Butler, made the announcement on Twitter on Saturday.
Butler shared that there was no big scandal in the group and that his departure, which actually happened a few months ago, was amicable.
Farewell: Will Butler announces he has left Arcade Fire after 18 years; he was seen in September 2015
“Hi friends – I’ve left Arcade Fire,” Butler, 39, began in the first tweet.
“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.
Arcade Fire released their new single The Lightning I, II last Thursday and are set to release their sixth studio album titled We in May.
In a series of follow-up tweets, Butler explained that he had already begun “work on a new solo album; booking some shows for the summer; and working on music for a play by David Adjmi (which is so good), among other projects.
A heavy loss: 39-year-old Will Butler (front right) has featured on every Arcade Fire studio album since Funeral (2004); he is pictured in front with his brother, singer Vin Butler (front left); Nadia pictured in February 2020
Announcement: The multi-instrumentalist brother of Arcade Fire vocalist Win Butler made the announcement via Twitter on Saturday.
Big Contribution: Butler, who plays multiple instruments including synthesizer, bass, guitar and percussion, revealed he left the band at the end of 2021.
Busy schedule: The Texas native shared that he’s been working on a new studio album among several other projects.
While Butler was with the band ahead of the release of their debut studio album Funeral (2004), he has embarked on a solo career over the past seven years, releasing three albums: Policy (2015), Friday Night (2016) and Generations (2020).
The composer, who received an Academy Award nomination for his work on the original score for Her (2013), thanked the band’s fans and crew for their support over the years.
“Thank you to everyone who came to AF concerts, bought a record or loves our music. It makes sense to be a part of your life,” he wrote, adding, “Thank you to the team, staff, management, label representatives, bands, artists and friends who have helped bring our vision to life for so many years.”
Butler ended the announcement by writing, “The band is still my friends and family. I will be near! See you!’
Gracious: The 39-year-old artist thanked all the fans and the group’s team for their support.
Amicable breakup: Butler emphasized that he and the rest of the band are still “my friends and family.”
‘See you!’ While working on his fourth studio album, among other projects, he promised to see fans around.
Soon, fans from all over the world shared their comments about Butler’s departure. And for the most part, the reactions ranged from sadness and bewilderment to gratitude for the music he wrote.
“My friend texted me to share the news. Since then, I’ve been trying to write an adequate response to his tweet, lol. I’m so sad,” Sarah wrote.
Stowe commented on Butler’s memorable and emotional antics on stage, writing, “I’m going to miss your live energy, Will. You have always been one of the highlights of the AF show. But all the best, I will look forward to your performances if you are in Europe!”
A fan named Melanie wrote, “I am completely devastated to hear this. I just told my boyfriend about how much energy you bring to shows and how much I was looking forward to taking him with me to see you perform with the band this year.” She then added a broken heart emoji before adding, “All the best for the future.”
A bona fide hit: while the band found success with their first two studio albums Funeral (2004) and Neon Bible (2007), their third album The Suburbs (2010) would be a huge hit, debuting at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and the Billboard chart 200 US
“I’m glad you left without any hard feelings,” Gabriel wrote, adding, “This is the right way. you have contributed to such wonderful recordings and performances. will continue to listen to your music.”
Butler joined Arcade Fire in late 2003 after multi-instrumentalist Brendan Reid left the band.
He has contributed to every Arcade Fire album including Funeral (2004), Neon Bible (2007), The Suburbs (2010), which debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, the US Billboard 200 Chart and won album. The Year at Grammy Awards 2011, Reflector (2013), Everything Now (2017) and the upcoming We (2022), which is scheduled for release on May 6th.
Huge accolades: The Suburbs won Album of the Year at the 2011 Grammy Awards.