John Butler Trio 

Live reviews

• John Butler Trio

  I saw JBT at Red Rocks in June, that was an amazing show. He played well past closing time which means he was fined. The Amphitheater was at capacity, I drove from San Antonio, TX got pulled over twice on the way and it was worth every second. The energy was palpable in the air. I've been a fan for years and I even own a twelve string (11 string now) guitar for the soul purpose of covering JBT songs.

  That being said, the show at the Paramount in Austin, TX was the best show I have ever been to anywhere of any genre. I'll take a shot at myself here, and admit that I don't like being close to people so I usually spring for private tables or suites. I was down in the mess for this show and even being in close proximity to people didn't even register. It was a visceral experience, I've never been taken up into a performance like that in any setting- music or otherwise. "Ocean" is one of those songs that I can listen to different live versions playing on shuffle all day and his performance in ATX counts amongst my absolute favorites. The new instruments he commissioned for the "Home" tour are actually up to the task of keeping up w/ Mr. Butler's skill level. His new 12 string articulates so well, I finally realize how much of that song was getting lost with his previous instrument.

  The Band! Mr. Luiters and Mr. Gerathy are superb. They bring the whole thing together beautifully. I'm not familiar with the other two musicians that have joined as of this year but I will be looking at any other projects they have been involved in. Seeing Mr. Luiters on bass for "Funky Tonight" added something to the song that has brought it back into regular circulation on my playlists. Mr. Gerathy quarterbacking for an unreal percussion circle during one of 2 encores was inspiring. I could write a review that goes for pages about the Austin show, but I'll sign off with one more statement. I tried to shuffle around my schedule so I could fly out for one of the Europe or Australia dates because I'm not sure I can wait for another tour date in the U.S.

  JP

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  by jp.bonansinga

• This is the 2nd time i have seen John Butler Trio live in London..lots of Aussies as usual. The age demographic is definitely older than I remember and there were lots of couples and old dudes. I'm 38 and i felt quite young.

  Review:

  I was a bit confused as there were 5 musicians this time!?!?!

  Having not listened to the new record prior to attending the gig, I was surprised as the home tour is much more percussion led, which i loved as a former percussionist.

  However I felt that it really missed the double bass which to me for the john butler trio is as essential to their sound as the banjo is to Mumford and Sons.

  There was a moment where i think 4 of the members were playing drums (including John) however after seeing Misterwives do the same earlier this year, in time and dancing at the same time, with the kind of energy that only young people have.

  The highlights of this gig for me were their older tracks and the instrumental guitar solo from John on (I think?) An 8 string. Pretty sure he was looping it but it was still phenomenal.

  Hammersmith Apollo is outstanding. I think it has been revamped since I came here last.

  It is, i think my 2nd favourite venue in London after the Roundhouse.

  Pretty disappointed by the merch, £35 for a signed record and £85? for a guitar strap? £10 for a poster and £45 for a hoodie?

  I would have bought both the vinyl and the guitar strap if the prices were more reasonable. Most other artists do a limited release of signed merch when they release a new album. It felt a little bit money grabbing from fans eho have already laid out a chunk on coming to their gig.

  Overall a good gig and my mate is a convert to John Butler (Five??)

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  by pete-danes

• Australian roots and jam band consisting of John Butler, Byron Luiters and Grant Gerathy may appear to be laid back and unprepared yet you only have to witness their live show to realise that they are incredibly skilled musicians who have put their time on the live circuit to extremely good use. The trio has their own respective instruments, yet they are joined by a selection of session musicians playing strings and percussion in perfect balance.

  Every member onstage is in tune to everybody else so the melodies and instrumentals always sound completely on point and you could be fooled in thinking they had simply thrown the record on and kicked back. A huge success in their native Australia yet lesser known in the UK, it means tonight they are able to hand select the music included on the setlist for its technical merit. The likes of 'I'd Do Anything (Soldier's Lament)' sound awesome in an intimate setting and they are supported by the likes of favourites such as 'Zebra'. It is amazing to think a band with this much talent and appeal could have skated beneath the British radar for so long, it is an incredible injustice.

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  by sean-ward

• Paris gets it! Amazing gig at the atmospheric L'Oympia Paris last night. John opened the show with a haunting " Bound to Ramble" The mellow sounds of the didgeree doo giving the Parisian audience a taste of Australia and promising something special to come. John Butler was on fire last night and the enthusiasm from the audience fuelled that fire. A standing ovation lead to a 3 song encore which included Living in the City and a beautiful duet between John and Mama Kim. The charisma between the musicians on stage was electrifying. Simple lighting complimented the songs beautifully. Love the simplicity and yet the complexity of JBT s music. Always good to listen to the recorded versions but seeing them live is something else.

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  by sue-dawson-1

• FANTASTIC show! Their energy was amazing and John was on fire for just over a 2 hour set! I love that he announced multiple song dedications before playing them. A song for all veterans & soldiers (of all countries), and for their loved ones, and a song against fracking and for the people who say "fuck you" to the government. He had the crowd compete to see which level of the theater could be louder than the others. And he played Ocean for 12 minutes. Just all around unreal!

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  by karly-sopcic

• Simply AMAZING!!!!!!! :D

  Had seen them last year without knowing about them at all and bought the ticket for this year right away because I became a huge fan after that fantastic performance last year!!!!

  If people think the songs are good on CD, believe that those same songs live are something just out of this world!! For sure one of the best bands to see live!

  Thanks JBT for another amazing night!!!!

  I'll see you again soon (I hope!!!!!) :P!!!

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  by ana-pardal

• Holy Socks! Outstanding! JBT did not disappoint. It is very apparent Butler has been honing his skills for years. He played a show of perfection. His ticket charge is very reasonable and you will get more than you paid. He played over two hours with no break with a four song encore. If you have the chance to see JBT, don't miss it! You will regret staying home. The band played with great joy and electricity, it was infectious. GO SEE JBT!

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  by amy-harrelson

• This concert was truly a treat!! A family affair because not only is his wife opening up for him with her amazing group! but they also close out the night. I am a huge JBT fan because of the raw emotion he puts into his music. This performance also had amazing production elements! JBT at The Orpheum was one of the best live shows I've ever seen!

  Dance, Sing and have a great time with JBT! You won't be dissapointed!

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  by cameron-wendt

• Awesome! I've never seen anyone play the guitar quite like John Butler, just incredible! It was really cool to see the extra two support musicians get up there and change it from the usual trio, we liked it... but the special treat was JB's long guitar solos - fingers of gold!

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  by nadearb005

• They just didnt seem like they wanted to be there right from the start. They did say briefly that they couldnt play their usual show because a band memeber was sick, so eho knows what was happening. Just went to a lot to get there and left feeling disapointed.

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  by melissa-moss-1