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Key Information

Bernard Joseph Butler (born 1 May 1970) is an English musician, songwriter and record producer. He is best known for being the guitarist for the band Suede from 1989 to 1994, appearing on the albums Suede (1993) and Dog Man Star (1994). He would leave the band midway through the recording of the latter.

Butler has been hailed by some critics as the greatest guitarist of his generation;[1] BBC journalist Mark Savage called him "one of Britain's most original and influential guitarists".[2] He was voted the 24th greatest guitarist of the last 30 years in a national 2010 BBC poll[3] and is often seen performing with a 1961 cherry red Gibson ES-355 TD SV (Stereo Varitone) with a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece.

Early life

[edit]

Butler was born to Irish parents in North London on 1 May 1970.[4] He spent his summers in his parents' hometown of Dún Laoghaire and in an interview given in 2022, he reflected on his upbringing and Irish immigration to Britain.

I don't know if it's the case now much, but definitely up to the generation where I was from. Just because of the migration in the sixties, I guess. That was the big thing in the '60s, and we all ended up in Manchester, Liverpool or North London. Places wherever the trains came into: Holyhead. Growing up, pretty much everyone I knew was Irish.[4]

The youngest of three boys, Butler credits his oldest brother with inspiring his interest in music.[5] The first vinyl record he bought was The Smiths' Hand in Glove, having become a fan of the band after hearing John Peel play Reel Around the Fountain on his BBC radio show.[5] When he was eight, Butler started learning to play the violin, something which he later recalled he "used to get beaten up and spat at on the bus for."[6] His introduction to the guitar came after his brothers lost interest in a "terrible electric guitar".[6] Butler used it to play along with Johnny Marr's guitar parts to The Smiths' songs, eventually learning each one note-by-note and becoming proficient without ever having a formal guitar lesson.[6]

Career

[edit]

Suede (1989-1994)

[edit]

He first achieved fame in 1992 as the guitarist with Suede, forging a songwriting partnership with Brett Anderson. He co-wrote and played guitars or piano on every recording until 1994, when he exited Suede.[7]

McAlmont & Butler (1994–1995, 2002–2004, 2006, 2014–present)

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Immediately after leaving Suede, he formed the duo McAlmont & Butler with David McAlmont. They released two singles, "Yes" and "You Do". A compilation album, The Sound Of... McAlmont & Butler, was released after the collaboration ended.[citation needed]

Solo (1998-1999, 2024)

[edit]

Butler then released two solo albums under his own name, People Move On and Friends and Lovers, on Creation Records, yielding the hit single "Stay". In March 2024, Butler announced his third solo album, Good Grief, released in May 2024 on his own 355 Recordings label. He toured throughout 2024.[8]

The Tears (2004-2006)

[edit]

In 2004, Butler formed a new band with Anderson, The Tears, based on the same style that yielded their first successes with Suede in the early 1990s. The Tears released their debut LP, Here Come the Tears, produced by Butler, in June 2005. Singles include "Refugees", which reached number 9 in the UK Singles Chart,[9] and "Lovers".

Collaborations and production work

[edit]

Butler has played on and/or produced records by[10] Aimee Mann, Edwyn Collins, Neneh Cherry, Tim Booth (of James), Eddi Reader, Hopper, Roy Orbison, Bert Jansch, The Libertines, Heather Nova, Mark Owen, The Veils, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Cribs, The Pretenders, The On-Off's, 1990s, The Mescalitas, Cut Off Your Hands, Cajun Dance Party, Duffy, The View, Arkitekt, Sons and Daughters, Black Kids, Tricky, Sharleen Spiteri, Nerina Pallot, Natalie McCool and Pet Shop Boys.[citation needed]

In 2001, Butler teamed up with McAlmont for a second McAlmont & Butler album, Bring it Back, and they toured the UK after the release of two singles, "Falling" and "Bring It Back".[citation needed]

In 2005, he was introduced to Welsh singer Duffy and contributed to her top-selling debut album Rockferry—it was the best selling album of 2008 in the UK—which won the Best Pop Vocal Album Grammy Award in 2008.[11][12]

In 2009, Butler co-wrote/produced/played on tracks by The Veils,[13] Tommy Reilly,[14] Jonathan Jeremiah,[15] Kate Jackson and Catherine A.D. (Catherine Anne Davies, who now performs as The Anchoress).[16] He also commenced production work on Kate Nash's second album, My Best Friend Is You, in mid-2009.[17]

In 2010, Butler worked with Nerina Pallot, Fyfe Dangerfield, Noisettes, Slow Club, Gabrielle, Howling Bells, The Veils, Simon Dine, and new artists Jodie Marie, Vince, Daley, Summer Camp, Joe Worricker and Scott McFarnon.[citation needed]

Over the 2011–2012 period, Butler produced albums for Frankie & The Heartstrings and continued working with Daley on his forthcoming Days & Nights album, the title track of which was co-written and produced by Butler. He also co-wrote and produced Texas's comeback album, The Conversation. Butler worked at Studio 355 for these recordings.[citation needed]

In 2013, Butler worked with the group Teleman to finish their debut album; worked on songs with London group Flowers; and collaborated with Paloma Faith and Fyfe Dangerfield.[citation needed] In June 2013, he formed an impromptu improvisational performance at the Sunderland record store run by Frankie & The Heartstrings. Alongside members of Warm Digits, Field Music and 1990s, the impromptu group played a completely unrehearsed and improvised set.[citation needed]

In August 2013, Butler played two shows at The Slaughtered Lamb in London, UK, accompanying Ben Watt on electric guitar, resulting in a touring and recording collaboration spanning two albums and several years of live shows across the globe.

In October 2013, new group Trans released the red EP, the first in a series of EPs for Rough Trade Records.[citation needed] Featuring tracks grown out of improvisational sessions that date back over a year, with Jackie McKeown, Paul Borchers and Igor Volk, the recordings were made at Studio 355. All sessions were improvised, recorded in their entirety, and later edited with very few overdubs.

In May 2014, Butler organised two special McAlmont & Butler performances to raise funds for the Bobath Centre's work with children with cerebral palsy. The London shows at the Union Chapel and Islington Assembly Hall sold out, and the duo were accompanied by a full band that consisted of members of The Magic Numbers, Mako Sakamoto on drums and Sean Read on keyboards.[18]

In 2017, Butler produced the self-titled debut album of the New York band QTY. In November 2019, Pet Shop Boys released their second single "Burning the Heather" from their forthcoming album Hotspot, featuring acoustic guitar played by Butler. Folk artist Sam Lee collaborated with Butler in 2019, resulting in his Old Wow album and selected live shows that followed. Butler joined Lee's curated Earth Day live stream in May 2020, improvising remotely along to a live stream of nightingales singing in the Sussex forest. This was followed by the release of tracks from Roxanne De Bastion.

In 2020, writer Peter Paphides' label Needle Mythology finally released the open collaboration with Catherine Anne Davies. The album, In Memory of My Feelings, compiled 10 songs drawn from the writing sessions begun in 2009, which Butler then pieced together and completed.[19] Artwork was created in collaboration with artist Eva Vermandel.

During 2021, Butler worked on a new Altered Images album with 1980s band members Clare Grogan and Stephen Lironi. According to Grogan, who announced the release in December 2021, the album would be released in August 2022, on Cooking Vinyl records, with the name Mascara Streakz.[20][21][22][23]

On 15 April 2022, Butler and Irish actress Jessie Buckley released "The Eagle & The Dove", the lead single from their collaborative album For All Our Days That Tear the Heart.[24][25] The album was released on 17 June that year to widespread acclaim and resulted in a nomination for the prestigious Mercury Prize.[26]

In 2023, Butler completed Sam Lee's Songdreaming album and the debut from Irish band The Clockworks, "Exit Strategy".

Alongside songwriters Norman Blake and James Grant, a collaboration formed for the 2022 Celtic Connections, and the three continued to tour and later began work on a debut record as a trio. In March 2025, the trio released the album Butler, Blake & Grant on 355 Recordings.[27] The following January, the trio announced their second collaborative album, Murmurs, set for release on 27 March 2026 by 355.[28]

Music in film and television

[edit]

Butler created the soundtrack to the 1997 film The James Gang and played on the soundtrack of Velvet Goldmine, and in 2020 created the score to a BBC Horizon episode on Pluto TV.

Radio host

[edit]

Since 2017, Butler has hosted the radio show BB & The King. Broadcast live from North London via Boogaloo Radio each Friday, Bernard Butler and partner Mark Kingston bring two hours of music and conversation around an episodic theme. Each week is archived via a Mixcloud page.

Music education

[edit]

Butler collaborated in songwriting camps and sessions for Warner Chappell. He conducts audience-led preproduction events around the country for the Musicians’ Union. Butler is also a resident lead Lecturer teaching the songwriting BA degree course at BIMM University, London.[29]

Personal life

[edit]

On 13 April 2014, Butler participated in the London Marathon to raise funds for children with cerebral palsy, described by Butler as one of the "worst starts in life". Butler explains:

The problem is it's getting harder for families to get funding for therapy and children aren't getting the specialist support they need. So I'm raising money for the charity's treatment fund to make sure that children get seen as early as possible when it will have the greatest impact.[30]

Butler is a patron of the Bert Jansch Foundation. Set up in 2013, in the name of the legendary folk-guitarist and singer-songwriter, the foundation embraces the rich heritage of acoustic folk music and celebrates its creativity. Its charitable aims are to support young acoustic musicians with educational and early career opportunities.[31]

"When most people were just breathing, Bert was playing guitar. That sound really was his whole life; the vibrations of the strings were life-giving. The notes were like words and the whole sound a conversation."

Butler is also a patron of the Music Venue Trust, a registered UK charity that acts to protect, secure and improve UK grassroots music venues for the benefit of communities and upcoming artists.[32]

Awards

[edit]

Butler won the Producer of the Year award at the 2009 BRIT Awards[2] and 2008 Music Managers Forum Awards, was nominated for Best Producer at the 2009 Music Week Awards, and received a Grammy Award for work on Duffy's Rockferry which won the Best Pop Vocal Album award for 2009. His collaborative album with Jessie Buckley, For All Our Days That Tear The Heart, was nominated as one of the Albums Of The Year by the Mercury Prize 2022.[33]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Suede discography

Suede

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Solo

[edit]

McAlmont & Butler

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Bernard Butler & Edwyn Collins

[edit]
    • 2002 - Single: "Message for Jojo" (No. 113 UK)

The Tears

[edit]

Trans

[edit]
  • 2013 – Red EP
  • 2014 – Green EP

Catherine Anne Davies & Bernard Butler

[edit]
  • 2020 – In Memory of My Feelings

Jessie Buckley & Bernard Butler

[edit]

Bernard Butler, Norman Blake & James Grant

[edit]
  • 2025 - Butler, Blake & Grant

Collaborator/producer

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bernard Butler

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bernard Butler (born 1 May 1970) is an English musician, songwriter, and record producer, renowned for his role as co-founder and lead guitarist of the influential band during the 1990s. Hailed as one of Britain's most original and impactful guitarists, Butler's career spans guitar virtuosity, acclaimed songwriting, and production work with major artists, evolving from prominence to behind-the-scenes influence in . Butler rose to fame in 1989 upon forming , where he co-wrote and performed on their self-titled debut album Suede (1993), which became the fastest-selling debut in nearly a decade, topped the , and won the . His intricate guitar arrangements and songwriting partnership with vocalist defined the band's glam-infused sound, though he departed acrimoniously after the ambitious follow-up (1994) due to creative disputes over mixing. Post-Suede, Butler collaborated with vocalist on the duo , producing the hit single "Yes" (1995) and the album The Sound of McAlmont and Butler, which showcased his pop sensibilities and earned critical acclaim as a defining track. Transitioning to a solo career, Butler released two albums—People Move On (1998) and Friends and Lovers (1999)—cult favorites noted for their guitar-driven introspection, before a 25-year hiatus from solo releases. He also co-fronted The Tears with former singer from 2004 to 2006. As a producer, Butler has shaped albums for artists including Duffy, , , Tricky, , and James Morrison, earning the BRIT Award for Producer in 2009 and Producer of the Year at the 2008 Music Managers Forum Awards. In 2024, he returned with his third solo album Good Grief, his first in over two decades, accompanied by live tours including Irish dates in 2025, reaffirming his enduring legacy in and production.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Bernard Butler was born on 1 May 1970 in , a neighborhood in , to Irish immigrant parents who had settled in the area. His father, originally from , worked for over 30 years in a battery factory, reflecting the family's modest, working-class circumstances in the diverse Stamford Hill area, known primarily for its Hasidic Jewish community though Butler's family was part of the local Irish Catholic presence. The family later moved to in . As the youngest of three brothers, Butler grew up in a close-knit household shaped by his parents' cultural heritage. The family maintained strong ties to , with Butler spending summers in his parents' hometown of , near , which provided early immersion in Irish traditions. His father, who had sung in bars during his youth, introduced him to Irish folk music from a young age, fostering an appreciation for melody and storytelling that echoed through the home. The family's strict Catholic upbringing, common among Irish immigrant communities in at the time, instilled a sense of discipline and moral framework in Butler's early years. He attended a strict Jesuit school in Enfield, further contributing to this environment. This background, combined with the socioeconomic challenges of their life, contributed to a grounded perspective that influenced his , though the household emphasized encouragement of his budding interests.

Musical influences and beginnings

Butler began learning guitar at the age of 13, teaching himself by meticulously copying the parts played by of on their records, note by note, without formal lessons after briefly studying and earlier in childhood. His brothers had purchased a cheap from a mail-order catalogue, which they soon abandoned, allowing Butler to take it up and develop his skills independently. His primary musical influences during this formative period included , particularly Marr's innovative and melodic guitar style, which inspired Butler's own approach to blending tension and accessibility in his playing. These inspirations fueled his early immersion in music, supported by his family's encouragement of creative pursuits. By age 14, Butler had formed his first band, , with his brothers, where he wrote all the music and began experimenting with songwriting, including pieces that would later influence his professional output. As a teenager, he performed local gigs, honing his craft in informal settings. Around age 19, Butler's growing proficiency led to his first professional opportunity when he responded to an advertisement placed by the early lineup of what would become , including , , and , in the , marking the transition from amateur experimentation to a career in the music industry.

Career

Suede (1989–1994)

Bernard Butler co-founded the band in September 1989 after responding to an advertisement placed by vocalist in the music magazine, seeking a who was not a "muso." At the time, Anderson had already assembled a core lineup with bassist and rhythm , Anderson's then-girlfriend; Butler joined as lead , bringing his self-taught skills honed from early musical influences. The initial configuration underwent several changes, including Frischmann's departure in 1991 to form , and a series of drummers before stabilizing with for their early recordings. As Suede's primary musical architect, Butler formed a prolific songwriting with Anderson, composing the melodies and guitar arrangements while Anderson provided the lyrics; notable examples include the debut single "" (1992) and "" (1993), which captured the band's emerging sound. Butler's guitar style was instrumental in defining Suede's aesthetic, blending the flamboyant aggression of —evident in riff-driven tracks like ""—with the introspective textures of indie guitar pop, often using his cherry red to create lush, orchestral layers. This approach helped position Suede as leaders of the emerging scene, with their innovative sound drawing critical acclaim for revitalizing guitar-based music. The band's self-titled debut album, , released in March 1993, showcased Butler's contributions across its tracks, reaching number one on the and becoming the fastest-selling debut in nearly a decade. The record's success culminated in winning the 1993 Mercury Music Prize, with Butler's songwriting and arrangements credited for the album's Mercury-nominated innovation and emotional depth; the band donated the £25,000 prize to . Butler played a central role in the album's production, co-producing with to emphasize its dramatic, string-enhanced sound. Tensions within the band escalated during the recording of their follow-up album in 1994, leading to Butler's abrupt departure in July of that year. Creative differences, particularly over the choice of producer and the band's artistic direction, fueled the rift between Butler and Anderson, amid broader interpersonal strains. Butler later reflected on the split as regrettable, stemming from his desire for more control over the music, which clashed with the group's evolving dynamics.

McAlmont & Butler (1994–1995, 2002–2004, 2006, 2014–2015)

was formed in 1994 by guitarist Bernard Butler and vocalist in , following Butler's departure from . The duo quickly recorded material, leading to their debut single "Yes," released on May 15, 1995, which peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and became a defining track of the mid-1990s era. A follow-up single, "You Do," arrived on October 23, 1995, reaching number 17 on the chart and showcasing their blend of soulful pop and intricate arrangements. These releases were compiled into their debut album, The Sound Of... McAlmont & Butler, issued later that year on Hut Records, which entered the at number 33 and highlighted the pair's collaborative songwriting process conducted primarily through demos and minimal live interaction. After the initial burst of activity, disbanded amid creative differences, entering a hiatus that lasted until 2002. The pair reunited that year to record their second album, Bring It Back, released on September 9, 2002, via , which charted at number 18 in the UK and featured singles like "Falling" and the title track, emphasizing a more mature evolution of their sound with orchestral elements. Sessions for a third album began around this time but stalled, resulting in only one release from those efforts: the single "Speed," issued in 2006 by as a limited-edition vinyl and digital download, capturing their signature tension in a concise pop-rock format. In 2014, Butler organized two reunion performances as to benefit the Bobath Centre, a charity supporting children with , with shows at Union Chapel in on May 1 and Islington Assembly Hall on May 2; these intimate gigs revived classics like "Yes" and "You Do" to critical acclaim for their enduring chemistry. The duo maintained intermittent activity thereafter, including a UK and Ireland tour in November 2015 that included stops at venues such as the Roundhouse in and Vicar Street in , where setlists drew heavily from their catalog alongside rarities like "Speed." While no full album has emerged since 2002, the pair's last major activity was the 2015 tour. Central to McAlmont & Butler's appeal was the complementary dynamic between McAlmont's soaring —often drawing comparisons to soul icons like —and Butler's expressive guitar work, rooted in his Suede-era style of layered, melodic arrangements that added emotional depth without overpowering the vocals. This partnership produced music that transcended typical boundaries, influencing subsequent acts in indie and -infused rock by demonstrating how raw guitar ferocity could elevate theatrical vocals into anthemic territory, as evident in tracks like "Yes," which remains a staple of revisionist playlists.

Solo work (1998–1999, 2024–present)

After departing from , Bernard Butler launched his solo career with the debut album People Move On, released in 1998 on . The album featured lush, psychedelic arrangements and showcased Butler's songwriting and multi-instrumental talents, including guest backing vocals from on tracks like "Not Alone." Critics noted its melodic depth and ambitious production, marking Butler's transition from guitarist to frontman. Butler followed this with his second solo album, Friends and Lovers, released on 25 October 1999, also through . Self-produced by Butler, the record adopted a brighter, more buoyant tone with influences, exploring themes of relationships and introspection across 12 tracks. It received positive attention for its accessible melodies but did not achieve significant commercial breakthrough, leading Butler to shift focus toward production and collaborations in the subsequent years. Following Friends and Lovers, Butler entered a 25-year hiatus from solo releases, during which he immersed himself in songwriting for others and band projects. This period ended with the announcement of Good Grief, his third solo album, released on 31 May 2024 via his own 355 Recordings label. Butler handled the himself, drawing on his extensive experience to create an intimate sound blending acoustic and electric guitars, , and horns across nine tracks. Good Grief delves into themes of loss, joy, bewilderment, and personal reflection, including rooted in Butler's Irish heritage and family background. Tracks like "The Forty Foot" address struggles and heartache from his experiences, following his father's death from cancer, offering a lens on emotional turmoil and resilience. The album's introspective songwriting has earned critical acclaim for its authenticity and emotional depth, with reviewers praising it as a "moving " and an "intimate glimpse into an interior world." To promote Good Grief, Butler embarked on a tour in 2024, including intimate shows at venues like London's Green Note in January (pre-release previews) and larger dates such as Lafayette in November, alongside stops in , , , , and . In 2025, he continued with solo-focused performances, featuring material from the album, such as an instore event in Dundee on 29 March and an extensive Irish tour announced in December 2024, marking a sustained return to emphasizing his independent work.

The Tears (2004–2006)

Following their earlier collaborations, Bernard Butler and reconciled longstanding tensions from their days and formed the duo The Tears in 2004. The project marked a creative reunion, with the pair signing to Independiente Records to revive their signature songwriting partnership. The Tears released their debut and only , Here Come the Tears, on 6 June 2005, which peaked at number 15 on the . Key singles included "Refugees," which reached number 9 on the UK Singles Chart, and "Lovers," which charted at number 24. The album received critical acclaim for its mature, orchestral sound, blending introspective lyrics with sweeping arrangements that echoed yet evolved beyond their roots; reviewers praised its emotional depth and ambition, comparing it favorably to Suede's . Despite the positive reception, the album underperformed commercially, dropping out of the charts after two weeks. Butler's guitar work stood out, featuring intricate solos and layered textures—such as the highlight on "Lovers"—that evoked Suede's nostalgic drama while incorporating more refined production techniques. The project disbanded in 2006 amid label troubles, including the cancellation of a planned tour after Independiente dropped .

Production and collaborations

Butler has established himself as a sought-after and collaborator, contributing to across genres with his distinctive guitar work and songwriting. One of his most notable productions is on Duffy's debut album (2008), where he helmed tracks including the chart-topping single "," which he co-wrote with the artist. The album's success culminated in a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album at the in 2009, highlighting Butler's role in shaping Duffy's soul-infused sound. In 2022, Butler partnered with actress and singer for their collaborative album For All Our Days That Tear the Heart, which he produced and co-wrote. The record, blending folk and indie elements, earned a nomination for the and featured standout tracks like "The Eagle and the Dove," praised for its emotional depth and Buckley's raw vocals. Their partnership was described as a "joyful" creative process, resulting in a critically acclaimed debut that debuted at No. 23 on the . Butler extended his collaborative efforts with singer-songwriter Catherine Anne Davies (The Anchoress) on the 2020 album In Memory of My Feelings, a one-off project where he co-wrote, produced, and performed alongside her piano-driven compositions. The record explored themes of introspection and emotion, with singles like "The Breakdown" and "Sabotage (Looks So Easy)" showcasing their complementary styles. More recently, in March 2025, Butler formed the supergroup Butler, Blake & Grant with Teenage Fanclub's Norman Blake and Love and Money's James Grant, releasing a self-titled debut album on his 355 Recordings label. The trio announced a UK tour to support the release, blending their indie and folk influences into what has been hailed as a "Scottish fireside" supergroup effort. Earlier in his career, Butler produced tracks for , including the 1995 EP If You Could Love Me, where he contributed guitar, mixing, and production on B-sides that marked the start of their ongoing partnership. His production portfolio also includes work with artists such as on (2013), , and Tricky's Knowle West Boy (2008), demonstrating his versatility in elevating diverse voices without overshadowing them. Butler also produced and co-wrote for on tracks from (2002), Kate Nash's debut (2007), and James Morrison's Songs for You, Truths for Me (2008), further showcasing his influence across indie and pop genres.

Other professional activities

Music in film and television

Butler has contributed to several film soundtracks through original compositions, performances, and songwriting. In 1997, he composed the score for the British comedy The James Gang, directed by Mike Barker, providing a mix of evocative guitar-driven instrumentals that complemented the film's themes of family dysfunction and redemption. His involvement extended to the 1998 tribute , where Butler performed guitar on the track "2HB," a cover of Roxy Music's song, as part of the supergroup The Venus in Furs alongside , , and ; this contribution helped recreate the 1970s aesthetic central to director ' narrative. Tracks co-written by Butler during his time with Suede have appeared in various films, highlighting the enduring appeal of his early work. For instance, Suede's "So Young" featured in the 2013 sci-fi comedy The World's End, directed by , underscoring scenes of youthful rebellion and camaraderie among the protagonists. Similarly, another Suede song co-authored by Butler was included in the 1994 thriller The Chase, enhancing its tense atmosphere. In 2009, Butler co-wrote "Smoke Without Fire" with Duffy for the soundtrack of , Lone Scherfig's coming-of-age drama set in ; performed by Duffy, the soulful track captured the era's emotional undercurrents and earned acclaim for bridging Butler's rock roots with pop sensibilities. These placements demonstrate how Butler's melodic and textural style has influenced visual media, often evoking nostalgia and introspection without dominating the narrative.

Radio hosting

Bernard Butler has been actively involved in since 2017, primarily as co-host of the weekly show BB & The King on Radio. Broadcast live from every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., the two-hour program pairs Butler with writer and raconteur for a blend of curated music selections, thematic discussions, and occasional guest cameos. Episodes are structured like chapters in a book, delving into diverse artists such as , , , and Arthur Russell, with an emphasis on tracing musical connections and dissecting songcraft through meticulously researched narratives. The show's format includes hourly "news" segments highlighting new releases and contributions from "research assistants," fostering an intimate, conversational atmosphere that highlights Butler's expertise as a and . His commentary often weaves personal anecdotes from his career, including insights into guitar techniques and influences, to illuminate broader themes in music history and composition. Playlists and archives are available on platforms like and , allowing listeners to explore the thematic depth of each broadcast. In addition to his regular hosting duties, Butler has made notable guest appearances on BBC radio stations, where he provides expert musical analysis. On BBC Radio 6 Music's The First Time With... in August 2024, hosted by Matt Everitt, Butler shared stories of discovering his musical tribe amid childhood challenges, celebrated the influence of Madonna's True Blue, and reflected on early gigs and key inspirations like and . Butler continued promoting his work on BBC platforms into 2025. In a January episode of with , he discussed upcoming plans and premiered exclusive tracks from his collaborative album Butler, Blake and Grant, emphasizing songwriting processes and career reflections. Earlier, in May 2024 on BBC Radio 4's Front Row, he performed a song from his solo album Good Grief while offering commentary on its creation, blending personal insights with artistic context. On November 10, 2025, Butler performed live with Butler, Blake and Grant on One's Arena show. These appearances underscore Butler's style of in-depth, anecdote-driven exploration of music, distinct from his structured hosting role.

Music education

Bernard Butler has been involved in music education through guest lectures and masterclasses at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) in since the , where he advises students on production techniques and songwriting. In a notable 2019 masterclass at ICMP, Butler discussed his early career with , approaches to studio work, and production insights during an "In Conversation" event hosted by tutor Catherine Anne Davies, followed by a Q&A session for students and alumni. During a 2019 interview tied to his ICMP visit, Butler shared advice on producer-artist dynamics, emphasizing the importance of artists maintaining creative vision and acting as their own producers to guide recordings effectively, even without deep technical expertise. He highlighted the value of in honing skills, noting that jamming and sharing ideas with others fosters continuous learning, which aligns with his broader contributions to curricula that promote self-reliant paths alongside teamwork in music creation. Butler has extended his mentorship to emerging artists through and advisory roles, including a songwriting workshop in Newcastle in June 2024 as part of his solo tour activities, where he offered practical guidance on composition. In 2023, he co-led a Advisory Group in alongside producer Keith Harris, providing tailored mentoring and industry advice to support developing musicians and creatives. These efforts focus on empowering up-and-coming guitarists and songwriters by drawing from his experience in self-directed production and collaborative projects.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Butler married Elisa Butler in 1994 during the recording sessions for Suede's album . The couple resides in , where they have raised their three children born in the late 1990s and 2000s. Butler has described maintaining a balance between his professional commitments, including touring and production work, and family life at home, emphasizing his role as a hands-on father. He and his family share a home equipped with a personal recording studio, which allows him to integrate creative pursuits with domestic responsibilities. The Butler family maintains a high degree of privacy, with Butler rarely discussing personal events or relationships in public interviews. This discretion extends to , though themes of familial loss and reflection appear in his later work, such as the 2024 solo album Good Grief, which processes the death of his father.

Interests and affiliations

Butler has actively advocated for music education through teaching and mentorship roles. As the resident Lead Lecturer for the Songwriting BA degree course at BIMM , he contributes to the development of emerging musicians by sharing his expertise in composition and production. He has also led songwriting workshops and masterclasses, including a one-day session at Institute in 2019 where students refined their compositions under his guidance, and a public workshop at guitarguitar Newcastle in 2023 focused on creative processes. Among his personal hobbies, reading plays a significant role in Butler's creative life, often influencing his and song ideas. He has described taking notes from books, television, and daily observations as a key preparatory step when entering a writing phase, allowing literary and cultural elements to shape his narratives. Butler values quiet family time as an essential part of his routine, describing himself as a hands-on father to his three children. This emphasis on domestic life provides balance amid his professional commitments. In recent interviews, Butler has spoken openly about challenges within the music industry, highlighting how societal and industry attitudes have evolved to better support and emotional well-being. He reflected on his own experiences of trauma during the , including the impact of his father's while he was in , and expressed appreciation for greater awareness today. His strict Catholic upbringing continues to exert a subtle influence on his perspectives, shaped by the cultural and familial environment of his Irish immigrant parents.

Awards and recognition

Grammy Awards

Butler contributed as a key producer and co-writer on Duffy's debut album (2008), which won the for Best Pop Vocal Album at the in 2009. Butler received no further Grammy nominations after 2009.

Brit Awards and other honors

In 2009, Butler received the for Producer of the Year, recognizing his contributions to Duffy's debut album . This accolade highlighted his role in shaping the album's soulful sound, which became a commercial and critical success in the UK. Butler also won Producer of the Year at the 2008 Music Managers Forum Awards. Butler's involvement in the spans his early career with , whose self-titled debut album won the award in 1993, marking a pivotal moment for . More recently, in 2022, he was shortlisted alongside for the for their collaborative album For All Our Days That Tear the Heart, praised for its intimate folk-infused songwriting. For his songwriting, Butler earned an Ivor Novello Award nomination in 2009 for the Album Award category, shared with Duffy for . This recognition underscored his lyrical and compositional input on tracks like the title song and "Syrup & Honey." The release of Butler's solo album Good Grief in 2024 garnered widespread critical acclaim, earning a Metacritic score of 82 indicating universal praise for its reflective style and personal themes. Reviewers lauded it as a triumphant return after 25 years, with outlets like noting its emotional depth and guitar-driven maturity. In 2025, Butler's supergroup project with Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub and James Grant of Love and Money, simply titled Butler, Blake & Grant, received positive recognition in UK music polls for its self-titled debut album and tour, celebrated as a fresh collaboration among indie rock veterans. The ensemble's blend of pop and rock elements positioned it as a highlight in end-of-year surveys.

Discography

With Suede

Bernard Butler joined in 1989 as the band's guitarist and formed a prolific songwriting partnership with frontman , co-writing all tracks during his tenure from 1989 to 1994. The duo's primary output with was the band's self-titled debut studio album, Suede, released in March 1993 on Nude Records. Butler contributed guitar, piano, and string arrangements across the record, which he co-wrote entirely with Anderson; the album debuted at number one on the , becoming the fastest-selling debut album in nearly a decade at the time. Butler also co-wrote and performed on several key singles from this period, all credited to Anderson and Butler. The debut single "The Drowners," released in May 1992, peaked at number 49 on the UK Singles Chart. "Animal Nitrate," issued in February 1993, reached number seven on the UK Singles Chart, marking Suede's first top-ten hit. "Metal Mickey," released in March 1993, peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart. "So Young," released in May 1993 as the album's fourth single, charted at number 22 in the UK. The orchestral ballad "Stay Together," from sessions for the follow-up album but released in February 1994, became Suede's highest-charting single at number three on the UK Singles Chart, with Butler handling guitar, keyboards, and co-writing duties before his departure later that year.

Solo albums

Butler's debut solo album, People Move On, was released in April 1998 through and peaked at number 11 on the , spending nine weeks in the top 100. The record featured orchestral arrangements and introspective songwriting, highlighted by singles "Stay" (No. 12 UK), "Not Alone" (No. 41 UK), and "You Must Go On" (No. 33 UK). His follow-up, Friends and Lovers, arrived in October 1999, also on , and reached number 43 on the for one week. The continued Butler's exploration of personal relationships and emotional depth, highlighted by the single "Friends and Lovers" (No. 56 UK). After a 25-year gap, Butler returned with Good Grief on 31 May 2024 via his independent label 355 Recordings, debuting at number 40 on the and charting for one week, preceded by the lead single "" (April 2024). The album, co-written with collaborators including and , earned critical acclaim, achieving a Metascore of 82/100 based on four reviews. Butler's solo work across these periods often delves into themes of loss, resilience, and .

With McAlmont & Butler

McAlmont & Butler, the collaboration between Bernard Butler and vocalist , produced a concise but influential discography spanning their active periods in the and . All material from the duo features co-writing credits shared between Butler and McAlmont, blending Butler's intricate guitar arrangements with McAlmont's soaring soul-inflected vocals. Their debut release was the single "Yes" in May 1995, which peaked at No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart and became a signature track for its dramatic six-minute structure and orchestral flourishes. This was followed by "You Do" later that year, reaching No. 17 on the UK Singles Chart and showcasing the duo's pop-soul hybrid sound. These singles anchored their sole album from the initial period, The Sound Of... McAlmont & Butler, released in November 1995, which compiled studio sessions and peaked at No. 33 on the . After a hiatus, the pair reunited for their second album, Bring It Back, issued in and reaching No. 18 on the , noted for its more mature exploration of soul and elements. Supporting singles included "Falling," which charted at No. 23 in the UK in , and the title track "Bring It Back," peaking at No. 36. In 2006, issued a one-off single, "Speed," recorded during sessions for a planned but ultimately scrapped , released as a limited 7-inch vinyl and digital download without charting. The duo has not released new studio material since, though they reconvened for live performances in 2014 to support charity efforts, with no associated recordings or live albums emerging in the 2020s.

With The Tears

The Tears was a collaborative project formed in 2004 by Bernard Butler and former Suede frontman , resulting in a single album and limited singles output before disbanding in 2006. Their debut and only album, Here Come the Tears, was released on 13 June 2005 by Independiente Records and entered the at number 15, spending two weeks in the top 75. All 13 tracks on the album, including orchestral arrangements and guitar-driven elements, were co-written by Butler and Anderson. The project promoted the album with three singles, all drawn from Here Come the Tears. The , "Refugees", was released on 25 April 2005 and became their highest-charting release, peaking at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart with four weeks in the top 75. "Lovers" followed on 27 June 2005, reaching number 24 and charting for two weeks. The third single, "Co-Star", arrived in September 2005 but did not enter the UK top 75. No additional material was issued after the band's dissolution in 2006. Tracks such as "Refugees" and "Co-Star" drew on the dramatic, glam-inflected style reminiscent of Suede's early work.

Collaborations and production credits

Bernard Butler has established himself as a sought-after and collaborator, contributing to albums across genres with his distinctive guitar work, songwriting, and production style. His external projects often blend , , and folk influences, resulting in critically acclaimed releases that have achieved commercial success and award recognition. One of Butler's most notable production credits is on Duffy's debut album (2008), where he produced and co-wrote several tracks, including the title song "Rockferry," "Stepping Stone," "Warwick Avenue," and "Distant Dreamer." The album topped the and sold over seven million copies worldwide, earning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2009. In 2022, Butler co-produced and co-wrote the collaborative album For All Our Days That Tear the Heart with Irish actress and singer , handling guitar, piano, and production duties throughout the 12-track record. The album debuted at No. 23 on the and was shortlisted for the 2022 , praised for its raw emotional depth and blend of folk, , and rock elements. Butler collaborated with multi-instrumentalist Catherine Anne Davies (The Anchoress) on the 2020 album In Memory of My Feelings, serving as co-writer, producer, and performer on guitar and keys for all tracks. The record, released on Needle Mythology, explores introspective themes through a mix of orchestral and electronic sounds, marking a pivotal creative partnership. In 2025, Butler released the self-titled debut album Butler, Blake & Grant as part of a supergroup with Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub and James Grant of Love and Money. Butler co-wrote the material, performed guitar and keys, and recorded and mixed the 10-track folk-rock set, which was issued on his 355 Recordings label on March 28, peaking at No. 33 on the UK Albums Chart for one week and No. 5 on the UK Independent Albums Chart. The album features songs like "Bring An End" and "The 90s," highlighting the trio's shared songwriting chemistry. Earlier in his career, Butler contributed to ' 1994 album , co-writing tracks such as "If You Could Love Me" and performing guitar on "If Ever You're Ready (With Bernard Butler)." These contributions added a edge to Collins' sound, helping the album reach No. 17 on the .
Artist/AlbumYearButler's RoleKey Achievements
Duffy - Rockferry2008Producer, co-writer (select tracks)UK No. 1; Grammy Best Pop Vocal Album
& Bernard Butler - For All Our Days That Tear the Heart2022Co-producer, co-writer, musicianUK No. 23; shortlist
The Anchoress & Bernard Butler - In Memory of My Feelings2020Producer, co-writer, musicianCollaborative release on Needle Mythology
Butler, Blake & Grant - Butler, Blake & Grant2025Co-writer, musician, producer/mixerUK No. 33; Independent No. 5
- Gorgeous George1994Co-writer, musician (select tracks)UK No. 17

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