Will Butler Departs Arcade Fire

Will Butler has parted ways with Arcade Fire. Butler announced the move on Twitter over the weekend ending a run with the band co-founded by his brother, Win Butler, that started in 2003.

The news comes just days after Arcade Fire announced their forthcoming WE studio album. Will Butler didn’t participate in Arcade Fire shows that took place in New Orleans last week and this past weekend in New York City. Wolf Parade’s Dan Boeckner filled in for Will at the recent Arcade Fire concerts.

Will revealed he actually left Arcade Fire at the end of 2021 once work on WE was finished. “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,” Butler wrote.

“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,” added Butler. “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 previously released three solo albums. The latest, Generations, arrived in 2020. Butler made it clear “The band are still my friends and family” and noted he’ll continue to participate in PLUS1 and Partners In Health initiatives that Arcade Fire started.

Read Will Butler’s tweets announcing the move below: