Blab Music
John Butler Trio Reissues Landmark Album Three for 25th Anniversary
On 11 September 2026, the John Butler Trio unveiled a fresh digital remaster of its 2001 landmark album Three, celebrating a quarter‑century of influence. Issued through the band’s own Jarrah Records, the edition adds three tracks from the 2000 Australian EP JBT—“Pickapart,” “Earthbound Child,” and “Don’t Understand”—and restores the original mix while polishing the sound for today’s streaming platforms.
Three was the trio’s second studio effort and the release that propelled them from a local Western Australian act to a national touring presence. The album debuted at No. 24 on the Australian album chart, lingered nine months on the alternative chart, and peaked at No. 3. In 2001 it earned the group the ARIA Award for Best Independent Release. The record’s success opened doors to the Big Day Out festival in 2001 and 2002 and a U.S. tour with John Mayer and the Dave Matthews Band, including appearances at Bonnaroo and South by Southwest.
John Butler, the trio’s guitarist and vocalist, said the anniversary is personally significant: “It’s been 25 years since I released Three! This was the first album where I felt my guitar playing started finding its true voice and tone. The closest I had gotten to capturing my band’s sound and started flexing more of my production skills.” He also reflected on the track “Betterman,” noting that the song placed No. 5 in the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2001 and that “Three changed my life. I STILL love playing these songs.”
The original sessions were recorded, engineered and mixed by Shaun O’Callaghan at Studio Couch in North Fremantle. Production was shared by Butler and O’Callaghan, and mastering was completed by Robin Mai, Nicky Bomba and Joe Camilleri at Woodstock Studios. Guest musicians on the album included Paul Boon on didgeridoo, George Rrurrambu on introductory vocals for “Money,” and backing vocalists Rosie Johnstone, David Broadfoot and Brenda Fost. The track “Earthbound Child” was co‑written with Ozzie Rea.
The 25th‑anniversary edition follows a long line of successful releases from Jarrah Records, a label co‑owned by Butler, the Waifs and manager Philip Stevens. Since its founding in 2002, Jarrah has released the trio’s subsequent studio albums—Sunrise Over Sea (2004), Grand National (2007) and April Uprising (2010)—all of which debuted at No. 1 in Australia and achieved platinum status. The live album Living 2001–2002 (2003) also reached the top ten and earned platinum certification.
After a pause in 2019, Butler revived the trio in 2026 with bassist/keyboardist Ian Peres and drummer Jackie Barnes. The band recently performed two surprise shows at BigSound in Brisbane, marking their first live appearances since before the COVID‑19 pandemic. Butler will also continue solo work, joining Jack Johnson and Ben Harper for Australian performances in November. The trio is scheduled to play the Tamworth Country Music Festival on 14 January 2027 and the Port Fairy Folk Festival in March, with additional dates to be announced.
The remastered Three offers fans a refreshed listening experience of a pivotal album that helped shape the Australian roots‑rock scene. With the anniversary edition now available on all major streaming services, the John Butler Trio’s legacy is once again in the public eye as the band prepares for its upcoming festival appearances and continued touring.
Three was the trio’s second studio effort and the release that propelled them from a local Western Australian act to a national touring presence. The album debuted at No. 24 on the Australian album chart, lingered nine months on the alternative chart, and peaked at No. 3. In 2001 it earned the group the ARIA Award for Best Independent Release. The record’s success opened doors to the Big Day Out festival in 2001 and 2002 and a U.S. tour with John Mayer and the Dave Matthews Band, including appearances at Bonnaroo and South by Southwest.
John Butler, the trio’s guitarist and vocalist, said the anniversary is personally significant: “It’s been 25 years since I released Three! This was the first album where I felt my guitar playing started finding its true voice and tone. The closest I had gotten to capturing my band’s sound and started flexing more of my production skills.” He also reflected on the track “Betterman,” noting that the song placed No. 5 in the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2001 and that “Three changed my life. I STILL love playing these songs.”
The original sessions were recorded, engineered and mixed by Shaun O’Callaghan at Studio Couch in North Fremantle. Production was shared by Butler and O’Callaghan, and mastering was completed by Robin Mai, Nicky Bomba and Joe Camilleri at Woodstock Studios. Guest musicians on the album included Paul Boon on didgeridoo, George Rrurrambu on introductory vocals for “Money,” and backing vocalists Rosie Johnstone, David Broadfoot and Brenda Fost. The track “Earthbound Child” was co‑written with Ozzie Rea.
The 25th‑anniversary edition follows a long line of successful releases from Jarrah Records, a label co‑owned by Butler, the Waifs and manager Philip Stevens. Since its founding in 2002, Jarrah has released the trio’s subsequent studio albums—Sunrise Over Sea (2004), Grand National (2007) and April Uprising (2010)—all of which debuted at No. 1 in Australia and achieved platinum status. The live album Living 2001–2002 (2003) also reached the top ten and earned platinum certification.
After a pause in 2019, Butler revived the trio in 2026 with bassist/keyboardist Ian Peres and drummer Jackie Barnes. The band recently performed two surprise shows at BigSound in Brisbane, marking their first live appearances since before the COVID‑19 pandemic. Butler will also continue solo work, joining Jack Johnson and Ben Harper for Australian performances in November. The trio is scheduled to play the Tamworth Country Music Festival on 14 January 2027 and the Port Fairy Folk Festival in March, with additional dates to be announced.
The remastered Three offers fans a refreshed listening experience of a pivotal album that helped shape the Australian roots‑rock scene. With the anniversary edition now available on all major streaming services, the John Butler Trio’s legacy is once again in the public eye as the band prepares for its upcoming festival appearances and continued touring.
