John Butler has ditched the rest of his trio. The Aussie singer-songwriter has split from drummer Michael Barker and bass player Shannon Birchall for “artistic reasons.”
“Michael and Shannon have been by far the best line up I have performed with in The John Butler Trio to date. They have been a pleasure to live, love, learn, record and tour with. Their professionalism, musicianship, and commitment have been unwavering and for that and a whole lot more I am truly thankful,” he said.
But clearly not so thankful that he’d keep the lads, who’ve been playing with him for six years, in the band.
Catch Michael and Shannon at their final John Butler Trio performances in April.
9 April 2009 – Fire and Floor Benefit Gig @ The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
10 April 2009 – Chill City, Melbourne
12 April 2009 – East Coast Blues and Roots Festival, Byron Bay
18 April 2009 – West Coast Blues and Roots Festival, Fremantle
Image source: Marty Philbey/John Butler Trio press page