Jon Butcher - Wishes

[@ckschmidt4854]

Got to see him in Dallas 5 times. Got to sit and drink with him at the HardRock in Dallas. One of my all time favorites. The man could play and has never been given the credit he deserves, Thank You Jon.............

[@jred6046]

Because everyone’s still hooked on Hendrix, but Jon is alive and he’s super skilled wish I got to see him live. Can only imagine how awesome

[@johnpearson4899]

He used to be famous for claiming that when Hendrix died, his spirit entered Jon's body. DJs everywhere would nearly always talk about just before or right after they played this song on the radio.

[@stlrockn]

@@johnpearson4899 I think you are confusing him with the urban legend that surrounded Frank Marino (which also wasn't true). I know Jon for some years and take it from me he never said anything like that.

[@johnpearson4899]

@stlrockn @stlrockn Thanks for the info. That's good to know the truth, but if there is/was anyone confusing anything, it wasn't me. It was a number of different DJs in the Nashville area. When Wishes was released, it got a LOT of air play (thankfully) in the southeast and hopefully elsewhere. The DJs would quote that from an interview Jon had supposedly given somewhere. I'm not saying he really said it. Just saying that was what was regularly stated. I, for one, had no argument. I love JB's work. I'm also a big Frank Marino/MR fan. Have been since the mid 70s. I hated that his health forced him to retire a couple of years back.

[@HeatherBlair64]

I was at HRC in Dallas too

[@deenaadams318]

I come back every now and again to try to touch that 16 yo person I was in 87 who listened to this over and over. That intro gives me chills every time. Absolutely brilliant!

[@danwohlslagel1277]

Same here- the year I graduated from HS.

[@seandougherty9568]

I'm right here with you - I was 18 when this hit. It just has a great upbeat magical quality to it. I played it for my 18 year old (now) son who was BLOWN AWAY! Music just isn't the same anymore.

[@hollytravis6073]

Same ❤️

[@Ruben-xh1kl]

Same here

[@jtbaying2312]

This Guy opened for ZZ TOP back in the 80s this song still holds up.Texas loves ROCK.

[@chrismckee4154]

Amen! I grew up in north Dallas and no truer words have been spoken.

[@piperzdad]

An old Army buddy introduced me to this song. Just found out tonight he passed away. I will never forget you old friend. One day we will sit down, and drink a beer, and tell lies about the old days.

[@bryanw6426]

I was maybe 14 or 15, my 31yr old girlfriend "tips" the bouncer $40, we were seated at the table closest to this stage... the DJ comes across the mic and welcomes everyone to Nashville's number one hotspot "CHEERS"! He introduced a man named Jon Butcher Axis. Wishes was the song he opened up with. I'm a 50 years old now and have been a rocker all my life. I played music for a living for 25yrs and very few musicians can bring tears down my face. THANK YOU Mr. BUTCHER AXIS

[@poppysworkbench6508]

You are legend!

[@rbor4959]

I had my guitar teacher figure this song out the first week it came out. Now all these years later no one around me knows it except me. I and I still play it all the time. Still a great song!!

[@JBCavern]

Rock that jam!

[@JimMitchem]

You can’t find this song anywhere. And this was a really great album (Holy Wars.) can’t find it on digital or anywhere. Crazy.

[@jdcapps21]

@@JimMitchemyou’re right

[@12peterroy]

I just bought a small record collection that includes this album. Had no idea who he was until I cued it up. I definitely do now!! 🔥🔥

[@Deke100]

My band opened for Jon Butcher Axis at "The Way Station"out in Bourne MA. Man, when they took the stage they just kicked the shit out of that place! Someone here also mentioned the band "Run 21", they were also one of my favorites, GREAT fuckin band! The good ole' days of real musicianship!

[@drummervee4797]

I had the Time of my life playing and being around Jon...He is a great player and this was one of the best nights in the studio..one take done live....just a special night.glad I got the call to sit in and play........and now I can sit back and enjoy ....to Peace and Love.........ENJOY

[@scotthale1324]

+drummer Vee So you are Derik Blevins?

[@drummervee4797]

+Scott Hale ..Yes I am ....Scott.................

[@mrjames7251]

Thanks for sharing, this one sure brings back some good memories.

[@danafoussat9760]

I was fortunate enough to have seen Jon Butcher in a cosy California setting. It was a fantastic concert and evening. Thank you for being a part in the making of such memorable, beautiful music.

[@michaeldurham3205]

That's something to be proud of brother, amen on this one,,,too few know about jam like this...

[@michaeldurham3205]

Man, a very unheard of, very underrated genius of a Stratocaster picker... Nuff said...

[@FlyByNight1975]

I used to have this album, and I loved it. Used to play this over and over. Those were the days, weren't they?

[@1toweringfool]

Yes indeed they were!

[@randyyoung4487]

For sure

[@brettarnold4196]

Sure were!

[@jred6046]

I still have this album 👍🏻

[@rayboudreau4324]

Jon was a big influence on me as a young guitar player in the Boston music scene in the 80s Would love to see him get the recognition he is due Fantastic musician A players player for sure

[@johnrobitaille5491]

Saw him at so many places in R.I. and Boston. So good live.

[@rayboudreau4324]

@@johnrobitaille5491 Yes he is a fantastic player I think that he's biggest obstacle was lack of promotion and the time period he broke into the scene In addition to that his backing band was average and I have the feeling that they didn't contribute to the creative process Just a opinion here But it is unquestionable that he is a Dynamic Guitarist and sadly unknown to a wider audience 🎸🎸🎵🎵

[@venturamichael50]

94 HJY(Providence,Ri) used to play the hell out of this song when this album came out.I never knew who the artist was but somehow tracked it down on youtube.What a glorious day that was.This is an amazing song and Jon had serious guitar chops.

[@JohnHartemusic]

I remember those days, grew up in RI, and purchased this record when it came out and still own it.

[@alarmfannh]

I started going out with a girl who was a big fan of JBA. This was the early 80’s. Since then this song came out, we got married and in 2021 we’re still married, two awesome kids and I’m sitting here(tomorrow off) listening to JBA and the Del Fuegos

[@alarmfannh]

2023 and things are still good

[@scottreed9744]

This has been my favorite song since I was 5 years old when it came out. When I was 13 I was in a used record store, spent all my $, saw this record on the way out and broke into tears because I had no more $. The owner was so impressed by my story that he gave me the record for free! 20 years later I still have it and still listen to it. Best song ever!

[@aza8800]

my dad used to play this for me in the car as a young kid, i would stare out the window and imagine horses flying beside us. i would ask him time and time again to play it...thank you for sharing your story my friend, it moved me. reminded me of being a kid. times were easy back then

[@PattonGuitar]

Man, growing up this was one of my go to albums. I thought for sure Jon Butcher was going to be the next greatest singer/guitarists. I still don't get why he didn't take off. This entire album is magic, and this song is the prestige

[@jdcapps21]

His vocals suck though

[@oldsouljammer]

This is mine and my husbands song. We just broke up and I woke up in the middle of the night crying and feeling lost. Wrote a letter goodbye and ended it with "you can't waste your life wishing upon a star.." Hit you tube and there it was. I feel better and I stopped crying. Thanks John..

[@jermanh3797]

Grew up in Boston so we heard him a lot on local radio, I walked into Strawberries and they where playing this, I immediatly stopped, said who is this, ok Ill take it, went straight home and played it for months straight. 25+ years later It still sounds fresh. I plan to play it in the cover band im in, I hope my Guitarist can handle the solo!

[@jbfyipi]

So yesterday morning.. I'm at UPS in Lynnfield MA. I stop there a lot for work. Who did I have a chance encounter with??? Yup, Jon Butcher! Told him how much I loved his stuff. Super nice guy. Took a selfie with me. I was like a giddy school girl the rest of the day.. LOL. The girl at the counter says, "The last guy who was in here looked like Hendrix". I then told her who he was.

[@featherstar1000]

How did I never hear this guy until tonight? The love of my life just sent it to me and I’m absolutely blown away. Transported back in time! Music is medicine.

[@projectmoon13]

The song of the special place in my heart. When I was younger, I had a best friend named Amy Rovner. We’re both adopted and we became really close friends. we talked all night long so many nights I could never even tell you. I got stuck and I needed to sell a guitar to get home and it was hers. She got it from an old boyfriend. I feel bad that it went down the way that it did and I don’t think she’s ever really forgiven me. I’m not the kind of person that she wants in her life after all. But I sure do miss her. We used to really love this song.

[@roncougar1]

One of the Best, who made the 80’s real!

[@jameshodgin3660]

I've loved this man's approach to the blues the moment it began spinning on my phonograph back in 87'

[@Bobrob51]

I saw these guys live at katinas in Amherst MA in 1989. Jon gave me his guitar pick and the drummer gave me his sticks.. Still have all of it.

[@ckschmidt4854]

Saw Jon at least 10 times. Saw him with around 50K other people at a free concert here in Dallas what a frickin show that was. Trully on of the most under rated performers ever.

[@donkeeton7897]

This song played on KDF in Nashville for most of the summer of 1987.

[@BadBrad46]

Damn sure did. KDF rocked back then.

[@donkeeton7897]

@@BadBrad46 certainly did the early to mid 80s were some of the best Carl P Mayfield Chatty Patty Murray (RIP) she later moved on to Florida where she was killed in an auto accident she was there thru the summer of 1983 was sad when they went to the country format in the late 90s but they certainly had a good run since their beginning in 1969.

[@BadBrad46]

@@donkeeton7897 Carls Carload Parties were awesome!

[@frankjesko8165]

One of my all time favorite albums

[@1meatbees]

1st heard this song in 1987 on the radio and then forgot who sang it. Searched for it for 25 years and finally stumbled across it. Finally got the ear worm out of my head.

[@whozyr]

I remember hearing about Jon playing around Boston and a cousin of mine telling me he was gonna make it and he put out some great stuff! I loved his music then and still do now. That cousin was Paul Geary. Thanks for the great music ever since Jon!

[@geneleonard4368]

This Album should be available on Spotify 😡🤬 it's a Classic !

[@skinnyway]

I wish I had better speakers. miss you and your music. OKC

[@frankiesanchez8302]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ❤️ GOD BLESS YOU 🙏 ALL

[@boryder73]

He played my club in '92 when his outdoor gig with Joe Cocker and Sass Jordon was rained out. He played a couple of acoustic sets. What a great guy! I introduced him to a lady friend of mine...he was happy. Some really great music in the day!

[@bryanw6426]

The world needs another Sass... I love her

[@robertin390]

I've seen John a few times over the past few years in the Boston Area. This is a great song

[@guiterry]

You will be hard pressed to find a more beautifully written or well played or UNDER APPRECIATED song as this!! I've been a fan of Jon for YEARS. A TRUE unsung hero of blues/rock guitar!!!

[@davegass1650]

It's 2023 . I think this song is incredible . I have been listening to it since it came out . I am from Massachusetts . It's a shame . This song should have went big time !

[@realitychurch9491]

i awoke this morning with the first burning wish to hear this song......... THAT I HAVEN'T HEARD IN 15 YEARS!.... as soon as i awoke it was on my mind even though I could not remember exactly how it went..... then I thought maybe.. just maybe...... you tube ... and " viola~!!" I'm gonna listen to this 10 times before I get my fill!!! ROCK ON!!

[@charliemac64]

This song gave me hope while I was doin' laps off the coast of Oman back in the late 80's serving in the USN.

[@MonaBarcs]

So glad to have stumbled on this, I was beginning to think I'd imagined the song since it's been literally ages since I've heard it.

[@sammsw1]

He was given a lot of air time on WKDF back when this song was a hit...I felt bad when I realized that this would be about it for him and he kinda faded into the background.

[@JimbobZ17]

I remember this on our local Rock radio station back in the day. A long with Poco call it love. Back when rock music was good. Now we have nothing but the classics.

[@ckschmidt4854]

Met him in the Cheese Room of Hardrock Cafe in Dallas. Never got enough credit for his skills. Saw him every time he played here. He played in front of City Hall to 30K what a day that was.

[@Frogz4196]

OMG!!!!!this dude is freakin amazing!!!!! YOU ROCK JON BUTCHER!!!I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!

[@paultalley5465]

I always liked him. The really bluesy stuff he did with Barefoot Servants was spectacular.

[@sonofren]

I remember hearing that guitar intro for the first time, and stopping dead in my tracks. Absolutely underrated guitar player

[@stevewarren4813]

If the world was fair, Jon Butcher would have had several hit songs. Darn!!

[@RhodyChick]

This is the version of If Wishes Were Horses that I've been looking for!

[@Antman-cy8ch]

So great!

[@BobinDallas]

Great song.....don't know what the heck ever happen to Jon he should come back and play again.

[@collin355]

Saw him in Marlborough Massachusetts a couple weeks ago..still rocks and sounds great..this guy should of been a superstar

[@sammsw1]

I saw hime in the mid 8's when this was a big hit, at an all day show in Nasvhille,TN. To hear this in an amphitheatre at about dusk on a Summer evening, well, its a really fine memory, and Jon Butcher stole the show that day.

[@MrDaledark]

Fun, reading all of the Jon Butcher stories. I have always been a rabid music dude, especially when I was younger. I was always looking for something new. There was a store in Shirley NY called McCrory's, when I was 13, I used to play handball behind the store. I went inside and they had a bin of cassettes for 10 cents a piece. I had a dollar, so I bought 10 tapes. Wishes was one of them, and I loved it...still do. 10 years later I found another JB tape at a flea market for 50 cents. I'm lucky.

[@GregCubaPeteThomas]

One a of my favorite best friends of all time...loved this song ....i think if him and the times...i sometimes cry.... God rest his soul....

[@guiterry]

One of the BEST songs that too few people have heard!! Been a huge fan of his for YEARS!!!

[@terryrheuark3262]

So much love for this song ♥️

[@italobambino43]

He played the Tower Theater in Philly I found out back in 1985. I was really in to this guy back in 1984-85 after seeing his video on Friday Night Vid's! I eagerly awaited this one from "87 great material! I just recently re-acquired the first album with "Don't Say Goodnight" which I lent out to some one back then, and it walked!

[@stevenmage2961]

I found this in a bargain bin at a second hand store back in the early 90s. I picked it up since it was only 50 cents or a dollar because I thought the cover looked cool and had a feeling it might have a good song or two. WOW, I played this constantly for a long time. I like every song on it and can't believe I never hear of him. I was out of the country when it came out as I was in the U.S. Army. I figured that is why I never heard of him/it before.

[@bbqeatinbuckeye]

Dedicated to that little red headed lady of mine back in the 80s. Too young and immature to love you like you deserved. Sorry for any pain I caused and wish you God's richest blessings in your life. I'll always have you in my Summer time memories.

[@phillipalden]

I was living with a friend who loves music as much as I do. We were both buying CDs when they first came out. I still do today at 60 years old. Anyway, he bought this album and we came back to listen to it. We were both blown away. Such a great guitarist and vocalist, and great songwriter. I’ve read some people who compare him to Hendrix. I don’t know if I’d go that far. Jimi was special because of his voice and because of what he could do with an electric guitar at the time. I think it matters to place people in their time. I study history for fun and understanding. Context is everything in history. I apply that same concept to music. It’s like when Dylan picked up an electric guitar. At the time it was radical for him. Or take Peter Gabriel as an example. His work with Genesis was equally radical for the time. This album is an excellent product of its time, strong from start to finish, and it stands the test of time as well. I bought a copy years later and I enjoy listening to it and thinking back to that wonderful time with my friend. (He also turned me on to Marillion. “Clutching At Straws” was the first one I heard. One of the best albums about alcoholism, drug addiction and failure.)

[@redhead5150]

I've met Jon at a few shows and he always made time to talk. Jon has signed photo's for me also !!! Such a great guitar player,singer and person. I have just about everything Jon's recorded on CD. Awesome guy !!!!

[@lockhavenborn]

my grama knows him... they used to watch tv together and were really good friends when they were younger and they still talk

[@donburns1]

this is what modern music is missing

[@drralph100]

I saw him in Nashville when this record came out. Can't believe it's been almost 30 years.

[@brentleyphillips7020]

Me too at the Cannery!!

[@burningsky23]

I was there too.

[@btu45nh]

We all are getting older,same here this song grabbed my attention when it first came out,the intro sends chills up your spine. Jon is one of the best to pick up the instrument!👍🎸

[@gobceaglesgo]

this song is great !! - why can't i find "ocean in motion" or "walk like this" on youtube ??? or "new man" - all great songs - used to see him in the 80's one of my favorites !!!

[@mudshrimpmoe]

I've loved this song since it first came out. If you search KZbin for "If wishes were horses" you'll see it's a common song name. But this is still my favorite song on this theme.

[@djsi38t]

The stereo effect really is great at the beginning of this song.i grew up just north of Boston so of course Jon butcher was one of my favorites.i got to see them live at the kingston nh fairgrounds,and graduated from kingston nh high school...Sanborn high.

[@lilyt3023]

Wow - I've been searching for this song and FINALLY found it. I remembered hearing it in the 80's and thought it was magical. When I searched for it, all these weird shit kicking versions came up. Then finally today I find it. What a GREAT song!

[@ddrsensation9]

a guy with great talent who never went far enough with it

[@TheToekutter]

One of my fav Butcher songs. I have all of his early albums on vinyl in a box somewhere in the garage.

[@doesitmatter5597]

Was blessed to see Jon in OKC, back in '88 or '89. Good musician!

[@shinegashinega]

Jon did this song acoustic last night as part of the Boston Legends tour. What a GREAT surprise, exceptionally done! Was great to hear live.

[@jeffholliday8304]

I saw him At mud Island in Memphis he opened up for the fabulous Thunderbirds he kind of blew them away

[@richyeager6315]

I remember the tempo being slower...maybe because the cassette was worn out and was dragging! The 80s were a magical time!

[@MarkFowlerthefunkee1]

You ain't lyin! Jon Butcher hit his stride with this album!

[@maryl9275]

I can’t find this album with this version of song. I’ve found other versions but this is my favorite rendition

[@JohnHartemusic]

Great song and guitar solo. I still have this on vinyl from the 80’s.

[@jusritebags5321]

Saw him at a bar in Santa Cruz back when he was doing his Hendrix impression ! Never forget that show ! He melted the windows with his guitar work

[@htxoriginal8619]

Been enjoying this song for a long time

[@redhead5150]

I always loved to here Butcher on guitar!!! The solo in the song is awesome!!!

[@garyhenderson9791]

What's really sad is that a lot of the younger people now know nothing about this really great song.

[@ForReelFunk]

I adore this song. I wore out the cassette tape.

[@Rski1234]

Met Jon 84 ,Massachusetts friends and Rock and Roll ,,,,,,,,,,,Forever

[@hdcase00]

Wow, this brings back some pleasant memories, thanks for posting such a great version of a great song.

[@DraconzDen]

Got up this morning and this song came into my mind, thank you so much for posting this great tunes, I had to listen to the solo about five times!!! Ah, the days of the incredible guitarists, Jon Butcher ROCKS!!! Now I can go about my day, wait, I gotta hear this solo one more time!!!

[@quimeau]

This came out when I was stationed at Fort Hood, TX. I bought it the moment I heard it. This is one of the best ALBUMS I've ever heard. Every song on this is pure excellence.

[@lunaticfringe8559]

Same here when I was stationed at Ft.Riley 84-87. Wore this tape OUT ! LOL.

[@bestplans9051]

Jon does exactly what I like. He creates a great melody and infuses it with blues and rock in a way I wish musicians today would do. There's personality and feelings in his songs that are genuine not simply a digi-track with the same repeated lyrics and beat for 3-4 minutes!

[@murph1245]

Played the hell out of this cassette. This has to be one of the best unknown songs from the eighties. Whole album was strong.

[@debicarder6229]

how sad that this is out of production because personally I think this was the most beautiful version he ever did.

[@bryanw6426]

Live and in-person would have blown your mind

[@aza8800]

come to massachusetts, he plays in local bars and this is usually the first song he plays at shows.

[@rockycavallo7242]

followed these guys all over the place back in the day! couldn't get enuf!

[@Render767]

thanx so much for posting this! I was a college kid when I saw John & crew.. the Channel, Bunrattys.. it was always an amazing time, so much energy; to see that band rock it out

[@GunnyWallen]

It's a shame this record is out of print. LOVE it. Wore my tape out years ago.

[@josephdow215]

Street hockey in Charlestown listening to Jon Butcher Axis. The best.

[@jamesshuel1519]

I'm going to his concert tonight for the first time. I'm so excited. pnss

[@tigernutt]

For those who have asked, you can purchase Jon's music directly from his MySpace page.

[@debramontoya68]

I've searched high and low. We have the album actual vinyl. Jon was kind enough to send it to me a few years back on MySpace. I've lost it though. Wish I could get it on iTunes.

[@younggotribe]

Jon Butcher is a thousand times richer than Beiber if you measure wealth in terms of talent and integrity. I just listened to this track for the first time since about 1990. Those opening riffs still blow my mind. I used to be able to play that opening pretty well. Man, time is a bitch. PS I never realized how much this guy's singing voice reminds me of Paul Rodgers.

[@steeleinmusic]

I wore this record out in the 80's. Had to buy a second copy I played it so much. One of my all time favorite albums. How is this not available on streaming? So Sad. Love the drums!

[@stacybrownlee7106]

💜🕊️💜 lovely!

[@logansette4427]

Great album have the vinyl and CD. Seen him in concert during this tour at The Channel in Boston.

[@dpbrennan7]

Good tune, still alive and kicking!

[@169tke]

I'm just like that girl spending too much time on the unemployment line. Ever since I lost my job I listen to this song. Helps me get through it.

[@prophet3011]

This tune is wonderful!