Will Butler announces departure from Arcade Fire and says he's "working on a new record"

Last week Arcade Fire returned with new single "The Lightning I, II" and news of their first album in five years WE, and on Saturday (19 March) evening the band's Will Butler revealed he's no longer a member of Arcade Fire.

Butler wrote on Twitter, "Hi friends— I’ve left Arcade Fire. 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."

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.

— Will Butler (@butlerwills) March 19, 2022

"I’m working on a new record; booking some shows this summer," Butler continued. "I’m working on music for a David Adjmi play (which is so good). A few other projects percolating."

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: pic.twitter.com/32K4Svwbsp

— Will Butler (@butlerwills) March 19, 2022

He added, "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. The band are still my friends and family."

The band are still my friends and family pic.twitter.com/0E1Dtj9vZm

— Will Butler (@butlerwills) March 19, 2022