FEATURE:
A Love as Strong as Death
PHOTO CREDIT: Alessandro Gianferrara
Bernard Butler at Fifty: The Playlist
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IT is good to celebrate…
a great musician’s big birthday. Today, as it is Bernard Butler’s fiftieth birthday, I have put together a playlist that covers his work with Suede, McAlmont & Butler and The Tears. Butler was the first guitarist for Suede and, to me, he was in the band when they were at their peak – Butler departed Suede in 1994 but co-wrote the songs on Suede (1993) and Dog Man Star (1994). I think Butler does not get the credit he deserves when it comes to the greatest guitarists of all time. Various sources have cited Butler as one of the best guitarists of his generations and, whilst I am going to include some of his best songs, I am only scratching the surface of his brilliance – he has played with and produced for so many terrific artists! Butler has named Johnny Marr as his favourite/most influential guitarists; Butler himself has played with or produced alongside the likes of Neneh Cherry, Edwyn Collins, The Cribs, Duffy, Trick and Pet Shop Boys. Butler contributed to Duffy’s 2005 smash album, Rockferry, and he has been part of McAlmont & Butler (alongside David McAlmont) since 1994. The duo split in 1995, but they reunited and released the album Bring It Back in 2002. Butler has released other albums since the last McAlmont & Butler albums; Here Come the Tears by The Tears (which saw Butler and his former Suede bandmate and co-writer Brett Anderson reunite) is fantastic. In honour of Butler’s fiftieth birthday, I have put together some of his best songs that shows what an incredible talent he is. Many happy returns to…
IN THIS PHOTO: Bernard Butler and David McAlmont/PHOTO CREDIT: Shirlaine Forrest/Wireimage
A music legend.