LONDON FALLING: The future of the English...

LONDON FALLING: The future of the English band London Suede (simply Suede in its home country) is in doubt following the exit of guitarist Bernard Butler, who wrote the bulk of the band’s songs with singer Brett Anderson. The three remaining members insist that they will find a new guitarist, but in Britain--where the band has been a spectacular success--the move is being compared to Johnny Marr’s leaving the Smiths, --a fatal blow to Morrissey’s former band.

Butler walked out on sessions for the group’s second album, reportedly due to disagreements with producer Ed Buller. However, in a recent interview, Butler declared, “I’m desperate to do things outside of Suede. Brett’s so . . . slow it drives me insane.”

The news came the same week that the Wonder Stuff, another much-loved band on the British alternative scene, broke up. The group had announced its intention to disband after its latest album, “Construction for the Modern Idiot,” sold less than expected.