Uckfield musician to perform on BT Live stage at Hyde Park

Update: Friday, July 13: Red Butler has heard it is to perform on Friday, August 3, from 2-2.30pm and from 6.10 to 6.40pm.

Uckfield musician Alex Butler has won the chance for his new band Red Butler to perform on the BT Live stage at Hyde Park during the Olympics.

Ten music colleges throughout the country were invited to each put two students forward to play. Alex was recommended by the South Downs College at Eastbourne where he has just finished a two-year BTEC in music.

His band Red Butler passed an audition and are awaiting a date to perform. Alex said: “We are honoured to be chosen and plan to make our own Olympic effort.”

The band was only put together six weeks ago and members include Alex, aged 18, lead guitar/vocals; Charlie Simpson, 17, from Framfield, on drums; Jane Pearce, 22, from Brighton, vocals and Steve Eveleigh, 20, from Eastbourne on bass guitar.

Red Butler’s first outing is tomorrow, June 9, at Crowborough AFC supporting Something Blue. Tickets are available on the door at £10 from 7.30pm.

Alex, who attended Manor Primary School and Uckfield Community Technology College before studying at Eastbourne, was described, in Blues Matters Magazine, as “one to watch out for” after performances at Skegness Rock and Blues Festival in January.

Alex started playing the guitar aged seven and is now teaching privately as well as in schools. His plan is to pursue a career performing with his two current bands.

His other band is Coldheat which has been performing for four years in clubs, pubs and at private events throughout Sussex and Kent. A highlight was playing at Brands Hatch for a major British Superbike event.

Red Butler play their own slant on covers, their own material in a blues/rock genre and including elements of funk and soul music. They have been chosen to perform, by Blues Matters Magazine, at a blues festival on July 1 at the Latest Music Bar in Brighton.

Red Butler are pictured here. From the left are Steve Eveleigh, Alex Butler, Charlie Simpson and Jane Pearce.

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