The band, The John Butler Trio (or JBT as they are affectionately known), with frontman John Butler, bassist Shannon Birchall and Michael Barker on drums are an Australian based band with a difference. Not only are they extraordinary musicians (you have to hear John Butler on guitar to believe it) but they have a very strong social conscience as well. In fact, their entire existence, what they sing about and how they live is all about the importance of family, looking after the planet, social equity, artistic integrity, ethical business and looking out for those who need a leg up.
The interesting thing is they’ve become incredibly successful using (and living) this platform and they now have a huge following from countries all around the world. Just to prove it, some of their career highlights to date are; two sold out shows at the famous Fillmore East in San Francisco, a standing ovation at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, selling out the prestigious Grand Rex in Paris, performing at the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, becoming the highest selling act at the Cambridge Folk Festival, performing main stage at the world famous Glastonbury Festival, and even a television performance on the David Letterman Show. They are also Aussie favourites and pull big crowds whenever they play here.
CD covers and promotional material printed on recycled paper, performing aid gigs (eg Wave Aid Tsunami Relief Concert, Make Poverty History Campaign), donating proceeds from tickets to causes (eg Refugee Action Coalition, The Wilderness Society, Save Ningaloo Reef Campaign) and setting up The JB Seed Arts Grant Programme (a programme “designed to explore and encourage the social, cultural, and artistic diversity in Australian society” by providing up and coming artists with their knowledge, money and time) are just some of the ways JBT are contributing.
Their music is sending out strong, positive and sometimes controversial messages that I believe the world needs to hear. Their popularity is now resulting in those messages being sent far and wide.
JBT are a great example of people living what’s important to them and not just talking about it.
To check out some of their tunes, head to the John Butler Trio website and you can buy their CDs here; John Butler Trio.
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Hey Sami
I love JBT too – they’re so talented and inspiring. You have to love it when people become hugely successful by claiming their authentic self and highlighting the way to a better word.
Kelly@SHE-POWER
Hey Kelly,
So true. In my opinion, it’s really the only way to true success. It’s something we should all aspire to. Thanks very much for visiting. Hope to see you back some time!
Cheers
Sami
[...] written before about the John Butler Trio. Not only do they sound as good live as they do recorded but they use their music, their fame and [...]