Butch Walker Brings Rock Back to Hollywood Forever

Stephanie Hernandez

Butch Walker has had a hand in producing some of your favorite tunes since the early 2000s, working with everyone from Weezer to Fall Out Boy. A successful singer/songwriter and producer Walker dabbled in various bands before deciding to go solo in 2002. Currently on tour in promotion of his third solo record “Afraid Of Ghosts,” Walker is primed to make the most out of his two-night run of The Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Butch grew up in Georgia and worked as a guitarist and vocalist in several rock bands in the 1980s. In 1988 his group Byte the Bullet, eventually caught the attention of Virgin Records execs and were signed later that year. The group changed their name to SouthGang and released two studio albums into the early nineties, but creative issues and contract modifications caused them to disband. Walker decided to form Floyd’s Funk Revival with ex-SouthGang members Jayce Fincher and Mitch McLee. They released one full-length album before shortening their name to The Floyds. Their first self-titled record consisted of ten tracks that included a cover of Duran Duran’s Rio, well reviewed and regarded the record is in rare circulation making it one highly valued CD release amongst Walker’s fans. In 1997 Walker started the Marvelous 3, but after a mere three albums the new group called it quits. After a series of tumultuous bands Walker decided to go solo. He released his first album, “Left of Self-Centered” in 2002 followed by “Letters” in 2004 and “The Rise and Fall of Butch Walker” in 2006. He kept busy spreading the word by playing over 200 shows across the US and Japan in 2005, at the end of which he was named Rolling Stone’s producer of the year.

It was not until Taylor Swift heard Walker’s cover of her song “You Belong With Me” that his fame became tangible. She blogged the video and invited Butch to play with her at the 2010 Grammy Awards, causing his name to explode all over the country.  This paired with tours supporting acts like P!nk and Train in 2010 helped Butch secure his spot in the psyche of American rock listeners. His latest solo venture, “Afraid of Ghosts” was released in February of this year to critical and commercial success. It seems Walker has caught his second wind and has every intention of riding this one out.

Butch Walker will perform at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery June 16 and 17. Tickets available here.