Butch Walker: The Surprising Truth About Making Hit Records

In this interview, Butch Walker of Marvelous 3 discusses his journey from fronting the cult-favorite rock band to becoming one of the most sought-after producers in the music industry. He shares stories behind crafting hits for artists like Avril Lavigne, Train, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, Weezer, and Sevendust.
My Beato Club supporters:
Justin Scott
Terence Mark
Jason Murray
Lucienne Kilpatrick
Alexander Young
Jason Wagner
Todd Ladner
Rob Kline
Nicholas Long
Tim Benson
Leonardo Martins da Costa Rodrigues
Eddie Perez
David Solomon
MICHAEL JOYCE
Stephen Stubbs
colin stead
Jonathan Wentworth-Linton
Patrick Payne
MATTHEW KARIS
Matthew Barouch
Shaun Samuels
Danny Kurywchak
Gregory Reedy
Sean Coleman
Alexander Verbitskiy
CL Turner
Jason Pappafotis
John Fulford
Margaret Carno
Robert C
David M Combs
Eric Flatt
Reto Spoerli
Herr Moritz Adam
Monte St. Johns
Jon Beezley
Peter DeVault
Eric Nabstedt
Eric Beggs
Rich Germano
Brian Bloom
Peter Pillitteri
Piush Dahal
Toby Guidry

[@ryandoda1846]

I don't think I've ever seen anyone so excited to be interviewed. He's having so much fun talking about his career. So cool!

[@edbauer8790]

Hell yes totally agree❤

[@ransbarger]

Finding an audience that wants to learn and is curious is awesome. Most people are intimidated by someone else's success. Rick's audience is the reason these people are excited to be interviewed. So cool is right.

[@AlecFloyd-se8de]

I was born in Rome and raised in Cartersville too. When I was a kid my uncle was a HUGE marvelous 3 fan and turned me onto them. When I was in 5th grade I was playing rec soccer at Trinity Methodist Church in Cartersville and they had a yard sale kind of thing in the gymnasium of the church and on one of the table I saw a Butch Walker CD and was intrigued and shocked to see that in a church. I asked the lady behind the table about it and it turned out to be his mother, and 10 year old me could not believe that I was talking to the woman that birthed such a legend. Cartersville has grown a lot since then, but to the OGs he is still a home town hero

[@BrothersCinco]

Cartersville is a different place ain't it

[@TexasJackdaw]

I’ve said it before - Rick is such a great interviewer. He lets the artist talk and doesn’t interrupt. Asks the right questions and just lets us listen in to an intimate conversation. I have been a fan of Butch for years. Totally enjoyed this.

[@mccleskey-music]

I'm with you on this. Love when an interviewer gets out of the way. Rick is the man. Butch is the man. This was a fun one.

[@darrellstyner0001]

As usual, I started watching a long Rick Beato interview with someone I'd never heard of thinking I'd watch 10 or 15 mins. One hour and 40 mins. later I'm sad to see it's over so soon! Butch has so many great stories to tell. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation.

[@mcnasty4207]

You should listen to Marvelous 3

[@joelmasters1004]

Butch talking about his dad's encouragement, despite his distaste for the material is really something special. What a solid father figure.

[@toddism]

In the end His parents went on the road with him. They were at many of the shows I've been to. Super close family.

[@jessepinkeye2339]

Yeah and he pays him back with beautiful songs he wrote for him. Everything about his songwriting, his studio, and his JHS signature pedal are tribute to his father.

[@markmalboeuf8675]

I'm 68, and this is one of the best, most realistic interviews I've ever seen. By that I mean that there are wonderful interviews that you see with the "Greats" - and Rick's are and will remain a treasured archive - but they are with the Point Zero Zero Five Percent who have Won this particular War. I personally had no connection to the generation of music you two grew up on, and have never heard of "Butch", but the Rawk Story he tells is universal. And he is personable and fab. The Song Remains the Same.

[@jonholland6067]

Well said

[@SpunktAlex]

Can't add to that. This interview and the one with Brendan O'Brien are the goats of interviews for me. Talkactive guests, who know their stuff, don't babble corp babble and are just humbly looking in the past.

[@toddism]

I'm 61 and I've seen Butch a dozen times or more. This is authentic Butch. Zero filter. I love him to no end. So many of the bands I love now I found because he produced them. Check out Adeem the Artist song Nightmare. Butch production this year.

[@jcharles8801]

I've heard of him but have never, until today, heard of Marvelous 3. I consider myself a pretty aware music fan but that name has never crossed my path.

[@MR2D2AL]

I played bass in a very minor band called Vynl back in ‘01-‘03. We recorded at Ruby Red one Saturday in the Fall of ‘02, and Butch was there all of an hour. He was preoccupied, but met us all and listened to a few takes. Fast forward 18 months; I saw Butch at Smith’s Olde Bar and said hi. “Hey, Al; how’s it going?” I had met the man for a few minutes a year and a half before! He remembered my name, and the band (which I was no longer with), and hung with me for a few minutes like I was an old Army buddy. There’s a lot to be said for making people feel important, but doing it naturally is very rare! Butch is an amazing performer, musician, and producer (INJECTED!), but also fantastic at just being a real person. Great pick for a spotlight, Rick! -Al

[@edbauer8790]

Love this comment for everything it says… thank you for sharing 👍

[@Stephenmichaelsguitar]

Love that Injected record.

[@mysterymidnightmurders]

I wish more people knew about Butch. Dude is a virtuoso guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer. I've met him several times and he's always very humble, kind and will gladly talk. A real genius.

[@davidcenteau-depina6192]

Absolutely and a super nice guy! All the guys in the Marvelous 3 were fantastic. The Atlanta stories took me back. I met them early 98 when my friend J.J. was their "hired gun" tour guitarist. Ran into Doug "slug" several times in the Highlands. It was a fantastic time.

[@RelicOnMaui]

Many of the most influential producers are unknown outside of the industry. Rick has brought a LOT of them in for interviews. Many responsible for your favorite recordings whom you never knew about. And many were players, before they found themselves producing as a career.

[@keithkozak1726]

Excellent interview. Interesting Journey he has had.

[@kgrant67]

It's crazy because his presence on stage is the most commanding I've seen live I think. But off that stage he just becomes a sweetheart. Chatted with him after a show one time and it was hard to believe it was the same person who was master of the universe 30 minutes earlier lol

[@davidcenteau-depina6192]

@@kgrant67 Yep. It's wild because I saw him live before I met him. It's night and day.

[@TheIslandDivision]

Butch mixed an August is Falling song. Butch's mix perfectly captures that moment in time. In an era of uncertainty and hand sanitizer, his ears and fingers, and Pat's song, changed my life.

[@indianajones5037]

:(

[@meanmr.mustard]

🤘😂

[@chrilborn4138]

The mix is great. You can really hear the drummers' shorts

[@codyburgess7034]

Beato

[@aluncurtis6124]

Awesome band! Hot tub rock!

[@Furious_Stylz]

Over the past few years, this channel has introduced me to so many incredibly fascinating people that I did not know about. I am a new fan of dozens of people, especially producers, engineers, and session players because of it. Fantastic interview Rick! I could listen to Butch talk for another two hours.

[@perry2592]

100% Well said and likewise.👊🍻

[@danielpearce6462]

Right on man! Same here 🤙

[@hellaslayin7175]

Loved this one. Mentioning Evan Taunbenfeld was heart warming haha. What a throwback. Crazy how good those kids were at like 18 years old back then.

[@ScottWright-d9z]

Huge fan of Butch! He actually produced my bands Demo tape in his apartment during the time he was recording Tainted Angel in South Gang. He borrowed Bobby Dolls (Poison) 8 track cassette recorder to record us. I still listen to it from time to time... drug my wife out to see him open up for Avril Lavigne years later. His stories of the early years in LA are dead on! Great interview Rick! Thanks!

[@HELPINGTHEBLINDSEE]

Rick, you have to do a Butch part 2. And 3…..immediately. We need more man

[@gothamsgirl5324]

Yes! I agree.

[@davidjonorato3554]

Both of you guys are dear old friends it’s so fun to have known you both for so long. I’m so glad I could help Butch way back then when he was struggling so bad. I knew how hard he had worked and how great a musician he was so I gladly gave him my car for $100 when he needed it most. Good times :)

[@samhines4064]

My pathetic band opened up for M3 in 1996. Butch and Jason were SUPER nice to us. I'll never forget that. Hard working musicians deserve success! Butch Walker for Prez.

[@johnicagautreau1813]

Who was your band??

[@samhines4064]

@@johnicagautreau1813 we were called Hollowstone. It was an all ages venue called Bojangles on Folsom Blvd (closed now). It might have 1997? It was a couple of hours before they pulled up in their bus, but when they hit the stage, it changed my life. I was 17-18 at the time. Do I know you?

[@samhines4064]

@@johnicagautreau1813 Sacramento, should've said that first. Sry.

[@Shaunholton]

It started as a crush on Avril when I was 15. Then I realised my real crush was on Butch’s guitar playing and infectious licks!

[@JK-g62]

Shaun...the guitar player in Sing It Live??? So cool you are here!

[@Shaunholton]

@@JK-g62it’s cool to me that someone over here even knew that 🙌

[@SAVANNAHEVENTS]

​@@ShaunholtonRick Beato followers know a lot. Cheers

[@JK-g62]

@Shaunholton im a fan of yours and your band...have a great day, Shaun!

[@nachorovira]

HAHAHAAHAHAAH i'm that guy

[@DrProgNerd]

As one of the millions (?) of people who lived through the trials and tribulations of 'band life' - but didn't make it - it's so cool to see people who have - and to hear their story. Thank you Butch and Rick.

[@HeritageWealthPlanning]

Band life sounds like hell, man. But nothing but respect to people who do this

[@WhyTheHorseface]

@@HeritageWealthPlanningit was the fucking best.

[@AlexBerger-eq3it]

Jerry King was my guitar teacher at Tigard HS in Tigard, Oregon in the early 2000’s. We could take guitar as a class instead of band or choir. He would tell us about giving lessons to Butch which we thought was wild. He was exactly the type of guy Butch describes in the interview and had a huge impact on tons of young guitar players. He’s one of the reasons I’m still playing all these years later. Very cool to see him talked about so much here

[@jfree336]

I studied with Jerry for 3 years right after he graduated from Berklee. That set my life on a whole different track

Wow! I live in Hillsboro now but I live off Pacific Hwy near Tigard High school a few years back. Great to hear about Jerry King.

[@joshriot6958]

Butch is a legend, all time favorite artist and producer, but Marvelous 3 and his solo records are the best thing ever. Thank you Butch for a lifetime of soundtracks to my life with every record you put out.

[@Acousticmarine678]

No ideal who Butch was before this interview. What a great CONVERSATION, it was a real treat hearing this mans story with who may be the best interviewer in the music industry. I will be cranking up some Marvelous 3 tracks for the next few days to explore their sound.

[@djsoulfilter]

I saw Butch perform at The Handlebar many years ago when he was with Marvelous 3. I was able to talk to him after the show. He was super cool to talk to and very down to earth. He took his time to talk to any fan that wanted to talk to him. Good memories from that show.

[@soundbites1152]

Ready, Sex. Go. is a MASTERPIECE of the early 2000's that never got its due. Fucking GREAT album that we still listen to regularly. Big fan of Butch, M3 and Southgang

[@jg6758]

my jaw dropped when i saw the thumbnail... love, love, LOVE basically his entire solo catalog and all the M3 stuff... thank you Rick for "putting some respect on his name." every Thursday my daughters roll their eyes at me when i ask, "ya know what tomorrow is?" and break into "it's Trash Day, gotta put out my bins"

[@Samasiam]

Before this interview I wouldn't have known Butch. Now I adore him. That's on you Rick, that's on you. 🙏

[@TheSpydersBand]

Best Beato interview ever. Never heard of Butch or the Marvelous 3 but our band is at a crossroads like his earlier band, reconsidering our music and audience. Awesome.

[@NathanThurberMusic]

I would receommend the album Hey! by Marvelous 3 or "Butch Walker as...Glenn" . Both great albums.

[@nekrophiliak]

Marvelous 3 was one of the best live acts I've ever seen. Butch's solo shows are awesome too. I hope more people give his music a listen.

[@Xsiondu]

His work with August is falling was a religious experience for me. I was playing his production of this bands hit song "hate this summer" and we'll let's just say I turned my back on my Religious upbringing and the next day my chemistry teacher "sister Mary fetishlegs came back to my house and advised me to write a "dear penthouse I never thought it would happen to me". Letter and now the whole convent is excommunicated and we are creating new sins and August is falling is our sound track to our depravity. Thank you Butch Walker and everyone else involved in my becoming a man.

[@TheIslandDivision]

Should have told you in August Now everything is falling down Should have told you in August Now my heart's in the lost and found!! 🎶

[@elmuchotanko]

They've got a tough road ahead of 'em

[@robjgolde3221]

AiF needs to tour again. I heard their set at a show in Philly 2 years ago was incredible. Big show!

[@shorerocks]

I am so thankful. That I did not follow my dream in the mid-eighties to go to the US and try to 'make it big' as a guitar player and songwriter. Now 58, I have a dozen releases, all independant and I couldn't be happier with my life choices. This is such a great interview, and though it might sound strange, I relived parts of my years back when I was in my 20s. Thank you. Cheers from Germany!

[@ChrisBuckRogers]

I don’t comment on a lot of things, but seeing Butch and Rick in a video together is too cool. I’ve been following Butch and M3 for a long time, and seeing Rick blow up on KZbin after playing in Billionaire and producing other bands is wild. This is a true collision of Atlanta legends. What a great thing to see.

[@MrCalenture]

HOLY FUCK!!!! Now that was an interview!!! BEST one yet, What a history and time line Butch shared!!! Could have gone on for another 2 hours and would have still been glued to every word!!!

[@wongdongwongeebo9729]

BUTCH!!! Thanks Rick you must've been reading minds. Just received my Hey! Live dvd. Butch you're my favorite. Been following your career forever. Thank you for years of music and inspiration.

[@georgebarry8640]

Ive been watching this for one hr plus..and THIS is what being a musician is all about!!! Coffee and musicians..and the stories roll. Honest,frank,subjective..and funny.ove you Butch...love you Rick for doing this.

[@Zen_Ali_123]

I remember Freak of the Week on 99x, and here I sit, all these years later, listening to Butch, same grin on my face.

[@hardrockingtriviashow667]

I love the Marvelous 3 and Butch's first solo album "Left of Self Centered". Great entertainer and song writer.

[@Eelbackwards]

During the late 90s I worked third shift, and grew to hate commercial radio. I largely missed late night music groups on Leno or Lettermen. My first online music presence was on MySpace. Until today, I had not heard of Butch or any of his music or accomplishments. The dude has a work ethic, and wasn't afraid to chase it down. He continued to develop and expand his skillset as times, and the industry changed. Thank you Rick. Thank you Butch.

[@keithstonehart]

My band was one of those "$200 a day records in his dad's garage" in 1996... One of the best weeks of my life!

[@VanwayPoker]

Butch is THE GUY. Talented producer, songwriter and musician, and he wrote, produce and performed my favourite album ever: Ready Sex Go.

[@dosesandmimoses]

Who was the artist for ready sex go?

[@VanwayPoker]

@dosesandmimoses Marvelous 3, his own band.

[@dosesandmimoses]

@ ahh.. I should have looked that up.. a bit embarrassed 😳

[@rs02984]

@@VanwayPoker RSG is an absolute tour de force. Not one piece of filler. ‘Lefty’ being a hidden track is a crime though, lol.

[@kevinspevacek7952]

This is pure gold. I grew up in Gwinnett County listening to 99X. Attended high school in Lilburn Stone Mountain and took guitar lessons in the area. Lived downtown while attending Georgia Tech and always dreamed of a music career. I still juggle both science and music now living in Texas. Rick's interview with Brendan O'Brien (G County native) is great too. Happy to see real authentic rock n roll success coming from my hometown! Thank you Rick!

[@getumedge8702]

Butch is the real deal. So refreshing hearing interviews like his.

[@Woelfe]

Butch Walker also has one of the most die-hard dedicated fan bases anywhere. The Walker Stalkers will show up no matter where he is playing. No matter what area of the country you go to, you see a lot of the same familiar faces. All good folks, too.

[@HerLoveGuitar71]

I've been calling us the Butch Stalkers 🤣

[@andymatzner4891]

I'm so glad I listened to this, the time flew; I had no idea who Butch was and now I'm happy to know all about him. And Rick is such a good interviewer, letting Butch speak without interrupting, which so many interviewers do.

[@TheHappyHonu]

I had the opportunity to interview Butch about 20 years ago before a show in Chicago. Even though he was feeling a little under the weather that night, he couldn't have been any more accommodating, and then he played his show without showing even a hint of being sick. He just delivered one of his usual epic crowd-pleasing performances. He is truly one of music's really good guys and, yes, I wish more people knew about him. Happy to see you giving him more exposure to your fans.

[@briangereau788]

Butch is the MAN. Just saw Marvelous 3 in Boston and they were amazing.

[@nathanielmilbery8839]

Introduced to Butch at the State Theater in Minneapolis. My wife wanted to go, tagged along. The performance, showmanship, sincerity was unmatched. When he jumped in the crowd to finish a song, my wife screamed “OMG HE SWEAT ON ME!” 😂 thank you for the core memory Butch!

[@gberinger55]

Butch is one of my favorite musicians. His time on Live from Daryl's House was eye opening.

[@toddism]

He made Daryl look weak

[@cjh8724]

@@toddismDaryl spoke about BW like he was some new kid on the scene. Butch did Daryl’s songs better than Daryl does.

[@scotconnolly1188]

@@toddism Daryl was 70 at the time to be fair

[@davem9920]

I was a casual fan of both SouthGang and Marvelous 3, not to mention the countless albums Butch has been a creative force behind, but I never knew They were all connected by this one amazing man! Thank you Rick for continuing to broaden my musical knowledge base and for giving us the opportunity to get to know these incredible musicians beside you!

[@SpunktAlex]

You know, Rick, the BEST interview moments are the ones where you FEEL like 2 old friends talk about cool stuff of the past This was the best of these moments. Didn't know about Butch inbefore, but this interview was so good now I will from now on.

[@chadc8111]

Dated a girl who turned me on to Butch in the early 00’s. Little did she know her mancrush would become the artist I love the most in this world. Thank you for this. The world needs more long form Butch conversations.

[@scottmacleod8790]

For not having a clue who Butch was and seeing the length of this interview, I never thought I'd make it far through but being born in 87' and having a crazy obsession with early Metallica in high school.. haha.!.! This was so great to watch, took me on a wild journey and I loved every second!

[@stewartdowouis9218]

Butch and the Marvelous 3 are my favorite things ever (outside of my family, of course). This DEEP interview is a gift.

[@georgebarry8640]

AGREED!

[@JimmyGallowayGuitar]

Had to comment 2x: your best interview. I lived in Atlanta 20 years. Worked with Kenny, Don at N&D, played in town with a bunch of the folks mentioned. Butch is a great dude. Rick, you have done so much for music. Preservation. Knowledge. History. Discovery. I've said it before: you're doing what the Library of Congress should be doing. I'm grateful to this channel. I can show these interviews to my students and kids, these are an example of "Master Class" that is crucial. Now more than ever, we need music to be pushed as a creative outlet and artform. Thank you Rick! ❤

[@theflickman]

When his song Freak of the Week became a hit, I was living in LA and they would never say the name of the band on the radio station. Months later I'm on a festival show sitting in the back of the bus, and I heard his band playing that song. I ran out to watch them from the side of the stage. I met Butch and he was super nice.

[@jakeschneider7846]

I saw Butch front the appropriately named Marvelous 3 over two decades ago. They opened for Smashmouth and I would not have wanted to be SM. They cooked that stage. They had the crowd eating out of their hands. They ended their set with their fantastic rocked up version of Burt Bacharach & Hal David's "(There's) Always Something There To Remind Me". Butch climbed up a vertical light scaffold as high as he could, the band brought down their volume, and they did a call & response chorus/melody with the crowd over and over which grew in intensity. It was an amazing show.

[@MrJacobrezac]

Saying Butch is underrated is an understatement. He’s the only person I’ve ever driven from Ohio to Nashville just to see his concert and documentary release. I flew from Ohio to Chicago just to see his first ever Christmas show. He’s just a one of a kind. Definitely suggest checking out his documentary and reading his book.

[@lamarw9901]

Love this as an Atlanta kid, native Georgia from cool parents this is great. Butch Walker and the Lets Go Out Tonights is still one of the best concerts I've been to. I remember the old 96 Rock, Power 99 and the change to 99x . I remember Marvelous 3 breaking. 90s to mid 00s was great in Atlanta.

[@GianSolo]

Def. one of the best interviews you’ve done. So real and honest. Keep it coming Rick!!

[@amirhoseinshams256]

Rick, I just want to thank you for bringing great musicians, producers, etc, to your channel, as well as keeping music alive. Your work is so appreciated!❤️ Also thanks for inspiring me to become a musician!🔥

[@RussellProthero]

This interview is one of my favourites. It's different from all the other interviews. Self-aware in a good way and objective. Truly a document and a snapshop of a particular moment of rock history.

[@bwhee]

Rick, this was so cool to see. I had a friend DEMAND that I go to a show with her to see Floyd's Funk Revival at the Pomp Room back in the mid 90's. That put me on the path to Butch Walker Fandom. Butch is insanely talented and has been a joy to watch ever since. If there's anyone in here commenting "Who?" then they need to start doing their homework.

[@nekrophiliak]

They either love him or never heard of him - there's no in-between.

[@michaelenosmusic]

Very much appreciate the Jellyfish S/O. I was fan of them since I saw the video for The King Is Half Undressed. I even actually got to see them live at the Ranch Bowl in Omaha... definitely one the bands that deserved more than what they got. ...I also really dug Marvelous 3's breakout single Freak Of The Week. great interview.

[@bobsaint-laurent5655]

This interview is a copy-paste of my career, particularly the 80s when I played in Montreal. Several memories came back to me during this superb discussion.

[@davearonow65]

My favorite Rick Beato interview yet! Those who know what a monster musician and talent Butch is, know. Those that don't, should. And hes one of the nicest, most humble guys you will ever meet. Just like Rick! GREAT interview!

[@hatcherluke]

Really enjoyed the work he did with August is Falling.

[@vtr_monsterextremo5145]

I thought no one remember it

[@scottnixon9236]

This interview gave me goosebumps. Being 55 and went through the hair metal 80s, Music School, cover bands and original band failures. Such a relatable interview. Thank you. Another gold star interview. We are blessed to have you. Happy New Year.

[@jesseausec5682]

Man, as one of those former teenagers that has followed Butch from Marvelous 3, to all the solo records, to the reunion shows, this was an amazing interview. Love hearing about the trajectory, the inside stories, and also the technical/musical side of things. Great conversation that I feel could have gone on for hours!🤘

[@jaredsnider7193]

Nice Jellyfish reference. Andy Sturmer was incredible. Sharing a stage with those guys playing that Jellyfish record would be quite the wakeup. Andy was also really tight with Chris Robinson of TBC. Butch is the real deal. Amazing the way he was able to grind out a really impressive career. Love M3, love The Spade. Just so much great but underrated music.

[@trooperscout535]

Butch on Live From Daryl's House is one of the best episodes. Love "Say it isnt so".

[@geodesy2009]

Butch is a true original. Been listening to him since the ‘80s. Never satisfied as a very talented singer/songwriter and absolutely fantastic as a producer. His relationship with his dad was a model of generational acceptance in both directions.

[@DougRG]

Holy crap! What a get! Great call getting Butch on here, Rick. Just saw him play with Marvelous 3 in Chicago last month. Dude is aces.

[@DocHeller]

When Hey! Album came out I was working at an indie CD store. I loved it and put it on my employee picks for months. Sold a couple of them too! :)

[@ToddUGA]

Finally! Huge Butch Walker fan. I was at one of those last Marvelous 3 shows at the Tabernacle back in the day. Still one of my favorite bands. Loved the new album released in 2023 and hope they continue to release new music in the future.

[@Mst3000113]

Butch is my age and his story is so incredibly similar to mine - even having a guitar teacher when he was 12 that played an ES335. Beyond that our stories went in an entirely different direction. I played in garage bands as a teen in the mid 80's and an auto accident changed my life and music became more of a hobby.

[@EchoToVoice]

The Donnas' Gold Medal is another Butch-produced gem.

[@jshphysicistatyahoo]

I love this guy Butch. Down to Earth, smart, polite (has no fear of using explitives on the tube), doesn't mince words and tells it how it is in the bizz. I hope we get to revisit him soon.

[@DavidTWarner]

This was such an amazing interview! Again, Butch flies under the radar, but he has done so much for music. I wish more people knew about him also, and the impact that he’s had on rock music over the last 20 years. I became a Marvelous 3 fan the minute I heard “freak of the week”. I’ve been a huge fan of that band and everything that he’s done ever since. The bands he has written for and produced along with his solo albums, all top-notch work! Great interview Rick Beato!!! Definitely knocked this one out of the park

[@purplejazz7y]

I've seen Butch live 3 times, and he's by far the best entertainer I've seen. Insane Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter. You young kids watchin better look him up pronto!

[@treebrother]

Being a 54 GenXer having watched, listened, and lived so much of what was discussed here and the evolution of music and the industry. Plus deciding to start paying close attention to politics, culture, with a heavy focus on News and Entertainment media and its history since 911. it's been a surreal but inspiring journey seeing just how much the Internet/Communication/Information/Tech age has empowered freedom loving folk and the independent artist. the Internet, MP3, File sharing, Crowdfunding, and Technology making recording, producing and promoting affordable and accessible for most. Sure there are some cons. In light of the above, Since like the mid 90's Big business and the political ruling class has been doing all they can working overtime to regain control over the narrative and managing perception and there is also a noticeable negative with modern tech where so much is lost when people aren't forced to think, self reflect, and have to put in the work to make something great. Also sooner rather than later we are going to have to come to terms with the eventual takeover with automation, AI, machine learning, etc.

[@dconsiglio]

Two of my favorite people in music together for 100 minutes. It's XMas day for me all over again.

[@gener2842]

I played a gig at the Whisky with Butch in 2000 and he and the guys in Marvelous 3 were just a great hang. Awesome guy!!!

[@chriskeiser5809]

The stories and anecdotes just explode out of Butch, he’s so excited to share and talk about his life’s work and his passion for music. Really solid dude and I’ve been following his career since I first heard that rough mix of Freak of the Week on Locals Only when I was 15.

[@shannonjones3714]

I love the Butch Walker and the Let’s Go Out Tonight’s album! Absolutely brilliant!!

[@dan8381]

One of his best for sure!

[@hugojacksonmusic]

Finally some info on this guy! Been seeing his name in the credits of all my favourite bands albums for 15 years but could never find anything about him. What a legend.

[@8thouseson]

I saw marvelous 3 starting in 99 at the elbow room in Columbia SC until about 2003. For a trio they had a massive sound and they could play any genre imaginable in one set. Butch’s lead guitar playing left me speechless. I remember distinctly thinking he had Prince level guitar chops and next level showmanship that was electrifying. Their cover of Naked Eyes “always something there to remind me” was better than the original. Fantastic artist and wildly entertaining band

[@davidbaker8285]

I saw Butch Walker years ago at House of Blues in Chicago. I thought the show was great, but I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this interview. One of my favorites interviews you’ve done, Rick.

[@notTHEcher]

I bought the Hey album on a whim. Never heard of the band. But this album is BADASS. I cranked this song and danced with my baby girl (she was 2) to it. One of my favorite albums to this day! One of the best impulse buys ive ever done. And ive been a butch fan ever since!!

[@TermoSimone03]

So glad he talked so passionate about Sevendust.. seasons is one the best rock metal album of last 20 years

[@pedeyw]

Loved his work for August is Falling.

[@Abonoli]

What an authentic person! Honest to his very bone on comments and ideas. Another great interview, Rick! You are amazing!

[@robmerritt2192]

Fantastic interview! As a longtime Avatar guy, it was cool to learn something about Kenny that I didn’t know either. Rick you need to have Kenny on the channel, he’s a absolute dear brother, Butch is Awesome as well and Rick Kenny will even tell you what a huge fan I am of the show

[@StingrayMk1]

I cleaned the stove top, oven, oven racks x2, roasting pans x3, baking trays x3 and oven glass with proper removal, plus associated cabinets. That's how much I enjoyed this interview!!!❤

[@jacksondewit6935]

Hey Rick & Butch. Fellow Cartersville resident here, and not much has changed in that regard. Back in 2019 my youngest was dating a kiddo who was very much into up and coming Deathcore bands (Whitechapel, Suicide Silence) etc. came from a Football background everyone expecting him to be something he wasn't. When he met my wife and I he realized that not all adults are like that, there are those out there who understand Rock and Metal, and the sense of community it provides. He got me into a lot of music I had previously written off, because I now was understanding the sounds more. He started hanging out at our house more, doing his homework here, was here during the pandemic, etc... basically took him under a wing. Told him he should go for a job at a Haunted House in Alabama that wanted him exclusively for a character he had created, and we never heard from him again. A freak accident on his way home flipped his truck, and ejected him... killing him instantly on the the morning of my wife and I's first anniversary. I remember being at the funeral and listening to his family not understand metal, the "satnatic" imagery, etc. It was weird, because I could feel that "judgement" from the family. But after his grandma saw how many kids and other people had come to show their support wearing their favorite metal shirts. She realized what it was, and even admitted to how wrong she was in front of everyone for it. It was sad it took that, but I was glad soemone saw it. The entire thing was a very surreal experience; but that mentality is still very much still in this town. So, if you ever see a guy with white sunglasses, long hair; blasting rock and metal around Tennessee and Main, that's me. \m/

[@TraneFrancks]

Full disclosure: I have no clue who this fellow is. But this is one of the very best music-related interviews I have EVER seen. Pure gold!

[@takeitev]

I'm so glad for this long form content. I cannot believe that people choose short and poppy videos these days. Long form, honest and free flowing interviews are the best. But I'm biased - cos that's what I do with my little podcast.

[@moderndiscourse]

All the uber famous people you’ve had on here have been fantastic, but this interview with butch takes the cake. Butch is such a likable dude, and this interview was another level.

[@edbauer8790]

Totally agree… just loving this interview…. And it all started off as I remember Southgang back in the day… so cool

[@BrettSennett1495]

I was one of those Jerry King guitar kids in Rome back in Butch’s day! Jerry nicknamed me Darrhea Fingers! I remember those days!

[@BrettSennett1495]

I also had Jayce play in my band in Rome. It was his first band to play in and was just starting and learning. I could see the bug of desire in his eye. Glad he made a career of it.

[@georgespencer3973]

120 Minutes was the best thing MTV ever did. Excellent interview, Rick. Butch was a blast to listen to.

[@channelsurfer3710]

you know what, this is your best interview.

[@bmicona]

This is probably the best music related interview I’ve ever seen. I’ve been following Butch for awhile, he’s produced a lot of things I regularly listen to. But even if I had no idea who he was this would have been a great watch.

[@rs02984]

Been waiting a long time for this! Butch is a bonafide American Legend! Insanely underrated!

[@mp-wf5rq]

followed butch more in his solo career and have loved every damn record front to back. AMAZING artist. kudos for the great talk