Richard Butler (singer)
| Richard Butler | |
|---|---|
 Richard Butler performing in 2006 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Richard Lofthouse Butler |
| Born |
5 June 1956 Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom |
| Genres | Post-punk, new wave, alternative rock, dance-rock |
| Occupation(s) | Songwriter, musician, painter |
| Instruments | Vocalist |
| Labels | Koch Records |
| Associated acts |
The Psychedelic Furs Love Spit Love |
Richard Lofthouse Butler (born 5 June 1956) is the lead singer of the Psychedelic Furs. He is also the founder and vocalist for the disbanded Love Spit Love.
Early years
Richard Butler was born in Kingston upon Thames, London. His father George Butler was research chemist, a Communist and an atheist. In the 1970s the elder Butler was slated to become a scientific ambassador to Russia, but a friend convinced him this would not be a good place for his family. Butler's mother was an artist, and he started art school in London with the idea of becoming a painter. After graduation he worked in a silk-screen print shop, but got the idea to form a band.[1]
Musical career
Butler formed the Psychedelic Furs in 1977 with his bassist brother Tim Butler.[2] According to Butler, the Psychedelic Furs began rehearsing in the Butler's front room, but were soon banished because of the noise.[3] Joined by guitarist John Ashton, guitarist Roger Morris, drummer Vince Ely and sax player Duncan Kilburn, the band quickly gained commercial success. The band's self-titled 1980 debut on Columbia Records and the 1981 Talk Talk Talk included 20 songs.
The Psychedelic Furs went on hiatus in the early 1990s, and Butler became the founder and vocalist of Love Spit Love. By 2000 he said Love Spit Love had "gone into remission."[4] His work with Love Spit Love can be heard on the hit syndicated television show Charmed. A truncated version of LSL's cover version of The Smiths' hit song "How Soon Is Now?" – recorded for The Craft soundtrack – plays during the Charmed opening credits. He also sang backing vocals, on "I Am Anastasia" by the American band, Sponge. Love Spit Love's "Am I Wrong" was the theme over the opening credits of the 1995 film Angus.
In 2001, The Psychedelic Furs reformed after a nine-year hiatus, and have toured worldwide since then. In 2001 they released a live album titled Beautiful Chaos: Greatest Hits Live.[5]
In early 2006, Butler released the solo album titled Richard Butler, a collection of songs dedicated to his late father, Dr. George Butler, and also Jon Carin's father, Dr. Arthur A. Carin (Jon Carin was Richard Butler's collaborator on the release, co-authoring and arranging much of the music). In 2014, Butler covered Charles Aznavour's "She" for the Gone Girl teaser trailer.[6]
Art career
In the early 2000's, Butler became interested in the art scene and began painting again. He has had gallery exhibitions in New York City, Miami, and Florence, Italy. One of his works, "Girl With a Map," has been used as CD's cover art.[7]
Personal life
Richard Butler has a daughter, Maggie Mozart Butler (b. September 1997). He resides in Beacon, New York.
References
- ↑ Rexer, Lyle. "Richard Butler". Retrieved 19 March 2016.
- ↑ Buckley, Peter (2003). The Rough Guide to Rock: the definitive guide to more than 1200 artists and bands. Rough Guides. ISBN 9781858284576.
- ↑ Armstrong, Gene (30 May 2013). "Love Their Way: The Psychedelic Furs will take the Rialto stage providing a look back on college rock memories". Retrieved 19 March 2016.
- ↑ Flinn, Sean (2 August 2000). "Back In The Pink: An Interview with Richard Butler of the Psychedelic Furs". Retrieved 19 March 2016.
- ↑ Ruhlmann, William. "The Psychedelic Furs biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
- ↑ Alynda Wheat; Samantha Miller (15 April 2014). "Is Gone Girl David Fincher's Creepiest Trailer? A Ranking". People Magazine Online.
- ↑ Gerstenzang, Peter (6 February 2006). "New Days for Psych Furs' Butler". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
External links
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