Singer announces first Perth show since Gage Roads drama
Aussie singer John Butler has announced he'll be returning to WA later this year in what would be the star's first official gig in Perth since his controversial February visit that resulted in Gage Roads Freo Brewery canning his show at late notice.
The star is set to unveil the PRISM Tour in his first national campaign alongside a band since 2019, which will launch in Bunbury on September 5.
The following night, Butler will play at Metropolis Fremantle as he ventures back to the port city. The star is set to unveil his PRISM Tour in his first national campaign alongside a band since 2019, which will launch in Bunbury on September 5. Credit: John Butler
The outspoken artist is not shy in publicly sharing his political views, and in February had promoted his Gage Roads show as a 'Frack Free Kimberley concert'.
However, shortly before the event was set to take place, the venue advised Butler he was no longer welcome, and his show was bumped to nearby Port Beach Brewery.
'The event we agreed to initially was not what was eventually planned and advertised,' a spokesperson for the venue told PerthNow at the time.
'It was our understanding that it was to be a music only event, with some Frack Free merchandise for sale and awareness raising materials available. Under these circumstances, we initially agreed to hold the event.
'Over the weekend, promotional materials were published and it came to our attention that the promoters were planning a number of public speakers from community groups that would be delivering speeches.
Butler told fans on social media, 'Gage Roads cancelled the event and pulled out saying they didn't know it was so political and they didn't do political events'.
The California-born songwriter is currently on tour in the US.
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Ahead of his next wave of Aussie shows, the independent artist told fans he'd be playing a mix of crowd favourites and newly released songs.
'I am really looking forward to touring Oz again with the band for the PRISM album launch,' Butler said in a statement.
'Loving playing with Ian Peres, Michael Boase and reuniting with Michael Barker on the drums.
'We've been having such a great time bringing these new songs to life on stage and the older songs are sounding BETTER THAN ever. Sorry couldn't help myself!'
Butler's upcoming PRISM album is considered Season Three of the singer's Four Season project roll-out, and is set for release on September 5.
It marks a formal departure from the John Butler Trio moniker, with tracks Trippin On You and So Sorry have already been released.
Enjoying a professional career spanning 25 years, the star's signature roots flavour is evident through his hits Zebra, Ocean, Better Than, and Used to Get High.
Tickets for his PRISM Tour go on sale June 20.
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