Fans of Arcade Fire have been calling for the band’s tour to be cancelled in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations made against frontman Win Butler.
The singer, who is due to perform at the AO Arena in Manchester this weekend, has stated that the extramarital relationships were consensual.
He is married to fellow Arcade Fire musician Régine Chassagne.
On Saturday, an article published in Pitchfork detailed allegations of sexual misconduct from four former fans of the band.
Win Butler performing with Arcade Fire. Credit: Facebook
Three women and one gender-fluid person, who were aged between 18 and 23 at the time, said that Butler behaved inappropriately towards them.
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Butler, whose full statement is at the end of this article, said: “While these relationships were all consensual, I am very sorry to anyone who I have hurt with my behavior.
“Life is filled with tremendous pain and error, and I never want to be part of causing someone else’s pain.”
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He added: “I vehemently deny any suggestion that I forced myself on a woman or demanded sexual favors. That simply, and unequivocally, never happened.”
The Arcade Fire musician also said: “I f***ed up, and while not an excuse, I will continue to look forward and heal what can be healed, and learn from past experiences. I can do better and I will do better.”
But despite calls from fans who were left reeling by the accusations to cancel or postpone their tour, Arcade Fire went ahead with their scheduled opening night in Dublin last night.
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Feist has donated all proceeds from her merchandise to Women’s Aid. Credit: Flickr
They were supported by singer-songwriter Feist, who donated the proceeds from all of her merchandise to Women’s Aid.
The Canadian band will then head to Birmingham on Friday, and Manchester on Saturday 3 September, before moving on to perform in cities across Europe.
Several fans have said that they applied for a refund from their point of purchase but that these requests were denied.
Many have written that they don’t feel comfortable attending the shows in the wake of the allegations.
One person wrote: “I’m a massive Arcade Fire fan, so I’m pretty gutted about the Win Butler revelations. Was going to Manchester to see them play on Saturday and just not sure I can now. I hope they at least give fans the option of a refund.”
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Another said: “Really let down that @arcadefire are continuing to tour despite the allegations that have been made..I have zero interest in going on Sat 3rd to cheer on a man who has behaved in such a manner. Cancel and refund us the huge amount spent to see you.”
Someone else commented: “Got tickets to see them in Manchester on Saturday… been a fan since Neon Bible and have so many important memories attached to their music. Hope they cancel the tour and the victims are OK.”
Arcade Fire’s Facebook page has also been flooded with messages from fans asking that they call off the tour, including one comment that said: “If you’re not going to cancel the tour at least postpone it until an investigation has happened. People aren’t comfortable supporting a group with a frontman who has these allegations against him…”
Win Butler’s statement in full
“I love Régine with all of my heart. We have been together for twenty years, she is my partner in music and in life, my soulmate and I am lucky and grateful to have her by my side. But at times, it has been difficult to balance being the father, husband, and bandmate that I want to be. Today I want to clear the air about my life, poor judgment, and mistakes I have made.
“I have had consensual relationships outside of my marriage.
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“There is no easy way to say this, and the hardest thing I have ever done is having to share this with my son. The majority of these relationships were short lived, and my wife is aware – our marriage has, in the past, been more unconventional than some. I have connected with people in person, at shows, and through social media, and I have shared messages of which I am not proud. Most importantly, every single one of these interactions has been mutual and always between consenting adults. It is deeply revisionist, and frankly just wrong, for anyone to suggest otherwise.
“I have never touched a woman against her will, and any implication that I have is simply false. I vehemently deny any suggestion that I forced myself on a woman or demanded sexual favors. That simply, and unequivocally, never happened.
“While these relationships were all consensual, I am very sorry to anyone who I have hurt with my behavior. Life is filled with tremendous pain and error, and I never want to be part of causing someone else’s pain.
“I have long struggled with mental health issues and the ghosts of childhood abuse. In my 30s, I started drinking as I dealt with the heaviest depression of my life after our family experienced a miscarriage. None of this is intended to excuse my behavior, but I do want to give some context and share what was happening in my life around this time. I no longer recognized myself or the person I had become. Régine waited patiently watching me suffer and tried to help me as best as she could. I know it must have been so hard for her to watch the person she loved so lost.
“I have been working hard on myself – not out of fear or shame, but because I am a human being who wants to improve despite my flaws and damage. I’ve spent the last few years since Covid hit trying to save that part of my soul. I have put significant time and energy into therapy and healing, including attending AA. I am more aware now of how my public persona can distort relationships even if a situation feels friendly and positive to me. I am very grateful to Régine, my family, my dear friends, and my therapist, who have helped me back from the abyss that I felt certain at times would consume me. The bond I share with my bandmates and the incredibly deep connection I’ve made with an audience through sharing music has literally saved my life.
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“As I look to the future, I am continuing to learn from my mistakes and working hard to become a better person, someone my son can be proud of. I say to you all my friends, family, to anyone I have hurt and to the people who love my music and are shocked and disappointed by this report: I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the pain I caused – I’m sorry I wasn’t more aware and tuned in to the effect I have on people – I f*cked up, and while not an excuse, I will continue to look forward and heal what can be healed, and learn from past experiences. I can do better and I will do better.”
Featured image: Publicity photo
News
We’ve teamed up with a new creative hub to offer an exciting opportunity to a rising Manchester star
Danny Jones
Truth be told, there are creative opportunities to be found all across Greater Manchester, but you won’t find many quite like this…
Content creation is an ever-growing industry and the demand for roles in this ever-evolving space is higher than ever; the problem is, lots of people are unsure of how exactly to get started.
That’s why anyone interested in the sector should be very excited about the latest development over in MediaCity – we certainly are, and that’s why we’ve teamed up with them for something special.
First of all, let’s do introductions: welcome to the ‘Content Studio’.
Designed to cater to the growing climate of cutting-edge content creation and offer a professional workspace at an accessible rate, the Content Studio provides a range of versatile creative spaces including light, dark and podcast studios, perfect for video production, castings, photoshoots and more.
Curated by University of Salford alumni, Ashley Salmon, the studio has been built to meet the needs of modern content creators, influencers, social media stars, brands and businesses of all kinds.
Promising to offer both a dynamic and inspiring space where people can produce high-quality and innovative content while fostering a supportive creative community, this place aims to live up to Greater Manchester’s media reputation: industry-leading.
The Content Studio will also be made accessible to students spending time over in MediaCity and beyond, with a good chunk of the core production team comprised of recent graduates from Salford, giving them a valuable platform to showcase their skills and kickstart their careers.
As the previous video detailed, we’re working with MediaCity to identify their next ‘Creator in Residence’, an exclusive opportunity being made available to just one inventive individual this year.
Put simply, we’re looking for Greater Manchester’s next rising star, an entrepreneur or someone who is looking to start out in the creative space. So what does one lucky winner get with the prize?
Well, all of this:
Three-month Content Studio residency worth over £1,000 at MediaCity
Free use of content creation space, subject to availability
£200 budget to decorate the space/purchase props
Equipment hire and tech support – cameras, lighting, audio, director and camera operator for a day (£2k value from Badger and Combes)
Access to three hours of mentorship with creative director Steve Moyler (1x a month or 1x 3h slot)
£150 Black card to spend with local independent food residents
Access to a social media crash course with The Manc
If this sounds like an opportunity you or someone you know might be interested in, you can fill out the form HERE to be in with a chance to access one of the most incredible creative opportunities anywhere in Greater Manchester.
Terms and conditions
By entering this competition, you agree to the terms set by MediaCity:
As the ‘Creator in Residence’ you will commit to at least 2.5 days in residence in the MediaCity Content Studio
As the winner you will agree to be profiled on MediaCity/The Manc platforms
Any social content produced in the Content Studio will tag #mediacitycontentstudio and #madeinmediacity
Must add @MediaCityUK as a collaborator on all content being published on socials
No cash equivalent will be given for the prize.
The deadline for application is Wednesday, 12 March, so don’t miss out. Good luck!
Featured Images — Sophia J Carey (supplied)/The Manc Group
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LF System, DJ Paulette and Turno announced as headliners for ‘The Drop’ music series
Thomas Melia
A returning music series is taking place in Manchester again and it’s bringing together even more great DJs for some fantastic live sets.
Titled ‘The Drop’, this music celebration is the mastermind of Skiddle and Headstock, who have collaborated to raise funds to support the music industry and mental health awareness.
Both the leading organisations put music at the forefront of what they do with Skiddle as a UK-based online ticket platform and Headstock, a hugely important music and mental health social enterprise.
‘The Drop’ is a monthly event series created to raise funds for several charities that exist to support the mental health of people working in the music industry.
Credit: Publicity Picture (Supplied)
This all-new event has support from The Warehouse Project, one of the leading nightlife and music entertainment spots not just in Manchester but the UK, bringing in acts from all over the world.
There are lots of music-tailored companies getting involved too including our very own music counterpart, Audio North.
Currently, there are three big headliners that have just been announced and these acts are certainly music champions in the dance music scene, featuring LF System, DJ Paulette and Turno.
LF System has reached incredible heights thanks to their unforgettable tune ‘Afraid To Feel’, which has now racked up nearly 500 million Spotify streams globally since its release in 2022.
Manchester music legend and Haçienda queen, DJ Paulette has also seen huge success with her mind-blowing mixes and soundtracking various music events.
The final headliner to be announced so far is Turno, who has played out to crowds of 10,000 at WHP and is respected for his eclectic drum and bass beats.
DJ Paulette is always lifting our energy no matter where she goes.Turno is about to bring some drum and bass bangers.LF System are ready to show off some well-crafted mixes.Credit: Publicity Pictures (Supplied)
‘The Drop’ kickstarts on 27 March for the Spring season with international DJ and producer Turno from 6:30-11pm, with sets happening every month following, tickets are already available.
Read more:
Moovin Festival announces 2025 lineup for much-loved Stockport event
You Are Not Alone Festival deliver gutting delay news
Three iconic Manchester bands nominated to join the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Following on from this is the sensational LF System are taking over with a coffee table set joined by some special yet-to-be-announced guests on 24 April – tickets HERE.
Finally, DJ Paulette will be bringing those massive rave bangers and combining it with her usual charismatic energy on 15 May – grab your tickets now.
Daisy Jackson -
31st August 2022 
