Arcade Fire Manchester support act Feist drops out after Pitchfork allegations about Win Butler

A support act has pulled out of the Arcade Fire tour after allegations made against band member Win Butler.

Singer Feist, who was due to support the band at their Manchester AO Arena gig tomorrow (3 September), posted on her social media channels that it had been ‘very difficult’ but she has decided to ‘go home’ after playing earlier dates with the band in Ireland.

It comes after music publication Pitchfork published allegations from four people alleging frontman Butler had behaved in an inappropriate way to them between 2015 and 2020 - allegations he has denied.

Some have called for the band to postpone the rest of the tour but the gigs including Manchester are scheduled to go ahead at time of writing.

Feist said in her statement: ““The best way to take care of my band and crew and my family is to distance myself from this tour [but] not this conversation.”

Butler’s wife and fellow Arcade Fire band member and multi-instrumentalist Régine Chassagne posted a statement defending im. She said: “I know what is in his heart, and I know he has never, and would never, touch a woman without her consent and I am certain he never did.

“He has lost his way and he has found his way back. I love him and love the life we have created together.”

What is Arcade Fire’s biggest hit?

Aracde Fire formed in 2003 in Montreal, Canada, and are known for their experimental, anthemic songs which cross genres and have made them a regular fixture at music festivals.

The band are best known in the UK for hits like Rebellion and Reflektor. Their debut album Funeral was critically acclaimed and follow up Neon Bible bagged a number of awards. Their sixth studio album We came out this year.