Dean Butterworth

Early years

Dean Butterworth was born in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England. He moved to America at age 10 and started learning to play the drums at age 12. During the early years Dean focused on the intricacies of jazz and fusion drumming, but after experiencing the chameleon-like way in which Stewart Copeland of The Police switched fluidly from one style to another, often within the same song, he began to branch out into many different styles. His stepfather, Patrick Shanahan, was also an influence on his drumming, advising him to learn a wide variety of musical styles.

It is the versatility he gained back then which later allowed Dean to work with many different artists, including blues legend John Lee Hooker. He is a supporter of Rochdale A.F.C.

Good Charlotte (2005–present)

In May 2005, after Good Charlotte parted with their drummer due to drug use and inability for Chris Wilson to tour, Dean was called in as a temporary replacement. He performed on their 2007 album Good Morning Revival. In the eve of the release of their next studio album the temporary membership was turned into a permanent one. The band has released their fifth studio album called Cardiology on November 2, 2010. He worked with Joel and Benji Madden from Good Charlotte on their band the Madden Brothers, drumming on their album Greetings from California, released in 2014. His third album with Good Charlotte and their sixth overall Youth Authority was released on July 15, 2016.

Other projects (1997–present)

Between 1997 and 2001, Dean was one of "The Innocent Criminals", the band of Ben Harper. During his time in the band he also sang, played the piano and guitar and wrote his own songs. One of the songs he co-wrote with Ben Harper is "She's Only Happy in the Sun" and can be found on the album "Diamonds on the Inside".

In 2002 Dean toured with Morrissey. In 2003 Dean worked with surfer and musician Donavon Frankenreiter, on whose self-titled album he plays the drums and sings, with fellow ex-"Innocent Criminal" David Leach on percussion.

In the fall of 2003, Dean laid down drum tracks for a song with bassist Scott Shriner; the current bassist of Weezer, guitarist Justin Shekoski; guitarist for Saosin, and singer Anthony Green, singer for Saosin at the time. This song, entitled "I've Been Dying To Reach You" was allegedly recorded to test out the new home studio of John Feldmann; producer and singer for Goldfinger. This song was originally released only on the internet, but a version was later released as "Dear Child (I've Been Dying To Reach You)" on Anthony Green's debut album Avalon in 2008.

Later in 2004, Dean went on to tour once more with Morrissey.

Dean recorded drums for the Used on their third album Lies for the Liars after their former drummer, Branden Steineckert, was kicked out of the band.

He drummed for the Cab on their album Symphony Soldier, which was released on August 23, 2011.

He is also the drummer and band leader of the house band for the NBC game show Hollywood Game Night.

In 2016, Dean became a permanent member of Sugar Ray along with Kristian Attard replacing Bivona brothers, after being a touring member since 2013.

With Ben Harper

With Donavon Frankenreiter

With Morrissey

With Good Charlotte

With The Used

With Cute Is What We Aim For

With The Cab