Crushed Butler
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Defunct | 1971 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Crushed Butler was a British rock group active between 1969 and 1971. Often regarded as the UK's earliest proto-punk ensemble, as noted in Pretty Vacant: A History of UK Punk (2008), the members went on to establish Darryl Read's Beat Existentialists and The Gorillas, while also engaging in individual projects.
History
Established in 1969 by Jesse Hector (guitar, vocals), Alan Butler (bass), and Darryl Read (drums), Crushed Butler initially performed cover songs before shifting focus to original compositions. Their intense musical approach and dynamic live performances set them apart within London's rock circles.
Although they participated in recording sessions with labels such as EMI and Decca, they were unable to finalize a record deal. A significant setback occurred when EMI declined their original song "Factory Grime," preferring a more conventional option, which contributed to losing interest from record companies.
In early 1971, the band changed their name to Tiger, incorporating Barry Mitchell (previously part of an early lineup of Queen) and bassist Arthur Anderson. Under the management of Neil Christian from The Crusaders, Tiger continued to face difficulties securing a contract and eventually dissolved later that year after Read accepted a songwriting role at Track Records.
Following the group's disbandment, Hector and Butler created Helter-Skelter and subsequently The Gorillas. Meanwhile, Read focused on solo endeavors and acting, releasing albums such as Beat Existentialist (1991) and Freshly Dug (1999) in collaboration with Ray Manzarek. Read passed away in 2013 due to a motorcycle accident.
Crushed Butler's recordings were ultimately released in 1998 by Dig The Fuzz Records on the album Uncrushed.
Singles
- "It's My Life" b/w "My Son's Alive" (2010) vinyl single, Windian Records USA
Albums
- Uncrushed (1998), Dig the Fuzz Records – initial release on 10-inch vinyl
- Uncrushed (2005), RPM Records – reissued as Uncrushed: First Punks from the British Underground 1969–1971 CD featuring an additional track
- Uncrushed (2005), Madstar Records Germany – digital re-release via CDBABY
- Uncrushed (2009), Radio Heart Beat Records – 12" vinyl edition including a new bonus track
- Uncrushed (2013), Last Years Youth Records Germany – 10" vinyl accompanied by a poster and extra materials