folk club for Butler
The Star - June 4th, 1998
by Paul License
Everybody's unplugging these days. Putting the Strats to one
side and amping
up the old spruce tops. But merely quieting down the act isn't enough for John
Butler! He has put his massive-sounding band Diesel Park West on hold for a while
as he takes a swing at a solo career. And with acoustic guitar in tow, he is currently
doing a string of unplugged shows up and down the country... including one at a folk
club in South Yorkshire! Not bad for someone who supported Simple Minds at
Wembley Arena, toured the States, recorded on the continent and knocked the critics
dead with one of rocks clearest, easiest and finest voices. The Diesels came together in
Leicester in '87, emerging from the ashes of the Filberts.Named after their studio location
- a west facing building next to a diesel lorry park - the band did some recording with
Food Records, which brought them to EMI's attention. Star potential was detected,
and the Diesels were off with big money behind them and a tour package in their hip
pocket. Visits round the polys and unis of Britain honed the sound which became
classic Diesl Park West, massive guitars, dramatic vocals and a rythm section which
threatened structural damage when they drifted into Sheffield with the Heineken
Big Top show a couple of years back. Debut release Shakespeare Alabama was
judged to be one of finest of the 80s. Decency showed off Butlers voice and Rick
Wilson's guitar work. And the Corporate Waltz tantalised with bewildering lyrics.
Finally, Mr. Butler decided to try for a career break and the band was put on hold.
He recorded a stylish solo album, The Loyal Serpent and set off on a low key tour
to test the water.
Diesel Park West
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