The John Butler Trio

The John Butler Trio

The John Butler Trio is an Australian roots band from Fremantle, active since 1998 and led by guitarist and vocalist John Butler. Its sound sits across alternative rock, blues rock, folk, folk rock, pop rock and rock, with an acoustic and jam-band character.

Formation and members

The group forms in 1998 when Butler is joined by Gavin Shoesmith on bass and Jason McGann on drums. Over time the line-up changes and also includes Andrew Fry, Michael Barker, Shannon Birchall, Nicky Bomba, Byron Luiters and Grant Gerathy. The band remains an evolving trio format rather than a fixed permanent line-up.

Releases and chart success

The John Butler Trio independently releases five studio albums and three live albums. Its first album, John Butler, appears at the end of 1998. The albums Three, Sunrise Over Sea and Grand National all reach platinum status, and the last three studio albums debut at number one in Australia. The group also has eight Top 40 singles.

Recording and label history

Most of the band’s releases appear on Jarrah Records, which Butler co-owns with The Waifs, while the verified label listing also includes Indica Records. The band develops a strong reputation as a live act alongside its studio work.

John Butler background

John Butler is born in Torrance, California, and moves to Pinjarra in Western Australia as a child. He begins playing guitar at sixteen and starts busking in Fremantle in 1996 before forming the trio. His 2009 album April Uprising connects to research into his family history for the television series Who Do You Think You Are, including his Bulgarian ancestry and the April Uprising.

Later line-up change

In 2009, a new line-up appears with Nicky Bomba on drums and percussion and Byron Luiters on bass, continuing the group’s long-running, changeable personnel.