Butler will be part of the band’s forthcoming studio record

Will Butler has left Arcade Fire after 19 years. The multi-instrumentalist shared the news on Twitter on Saturday (Mar 19th), saying he left at the end of 2021.

“I left at the end of last year, after the new record was complete. 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 shares. “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.”

He says he’s moving in a new direction with his own music.

“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.”

He will also continue working with Plus 1 and Partners in Health.

“I was at Paul Farmer’s memorial service last weekend. The words from the ceremony, and the challenge of his life, remain at the front of my mind. I’ll still be working with @plus1org and @pih—and the many activists and good humans and elected officials I’ve met—to give people material help; to build better systems of health, justice, and government; to try to live up in some way to Paul’s example.”

Butler is the brother of frontman Win Butler. A press release from the band’s camp on Thursday (Mar 17th) announcing the group’s eagerly anticipated sixth studio album, We, made no acknowledgment of Butler’s departure. In fact, it says “Arcade Fire is: Régine Chassagne, Win Butler, Richard Reed Parry, Tim Kingsbury, Jeremy Gara, & Will Butler.”

Butler joined the group in 2003 following the departure of multi-instrumentalist Brendan Reed. He has contributed to every Arcade Fire album from 2004-2022.