Wishes

The song "Wishes" by Jon Butcher, featured on the 1987 album of the same name, holds a special place in the hearts of fans and the artist alike. In a Q&A on Behind the Strings, Butcher revealed that he wrote "Wishes" using a Walkman Pro, a tool that captured his creative process during a pivotal moment in his career. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and soaring guitar work reflect Butcher’s belief that great songs stem from lived experiences, not just imagination. He once noted, “I don’t believe you write great songs purely out of your imagination. I believe you pay for them from your experiences,” highlighting the personal struggles that shaped the emotional depth of "Wishes." Fans on Reddit have shared their love for the track, with one user recalling how the album’s dramatic style and Butcher’s guitar hooks left a lasting impression, even decades later. The song’s music video, released during the MTV era, also gained traction, showcasing Butcher’s dynamic stage presence and contributing to the album’s rumored Gold status, though unconfirmed by the RIAA.

Jon Butcher’s journey as a musician began at a young age, rooted in his early exposure to music and a passion for the guitar. Born on May 5, 1955, as Jon A. Toombs, he grew up in a family that moved from Philadelphia to Clear Air Force Base in Alaska before settling back in Pennsylvania. His father, a former piano player in bands, indirectly influenced Butcher’s musical path, though they never played together. At just six years old, Butcher started playing on a Mickey Mouse toy guitar before graduating to a Silvertone 1457 from Sears & Roebuck, a classic beginner’s instrument he wishes he still had. His early influences were diverse, ranging from Ray Charles and Bob Dylan to Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck, shaping his eclectic style that blends rock, blues, and soul. While studying Broadcast Journalism at Grahm Junior College in Boston, Butcher honed his craft in the vibrant Boston club scene, performing with the band Johanna Wild in the late 1970s. This period laid the foundation for his later success with the Jon Butcher Axis, a band that would carry his vision to national stages.

Butcher’s career took off in the early 1980s when he formed the Jon Butcher Axis, a band that combined his searing guitar work with soulful vocals. His first major break came in 1982 when Peter Wolf of The J. Geils Band arranged for the Axis to open for them on their Freeze Frame tour, including a three-night stint at Boston Garden. This exposure led to a deal with Polydor Records, resulting in the release of their self-titled debut album in 1983, which reached No. 91 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart. Butcher’s music, often compared to Hendrix due to his stage presence and use of a Stratocaster, carved a unique niche in the rock landscape. Beyond his recording career, Butcher has also made significant contributions as a multimedia producer, running his own production company, Electric Factory Music, and scoring music for television, film, and gaming.

Fans can connect with Jon Butcher through his official website, jonbutcher.com, where he shares updates on his music and video production work. His social media presence includes Facebook, where he engages with fans about upcoming shows and projects, and Instagram, where he has been known to send signed CDs to dedicated followers. On X, Butcher occasionally shares insights into his creative process and interacts with his audience. For fans looking to dive deeper, the Jon Butcher Axis Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks and other devotees discuss his music, share concert memories, and celebrate tracks like "Wishes." Additionally, fan-driven content can be found on platforms like The Music Museum of New England, which chronicles Butcher’s impact on the regional music scene.