Dean "Deano" Butterworth (born September 26, 1976) is a professional drummer. He played for popular singer Morrissey and was announced as the official drummer for the band Good Charlotte in March 2007 after they parted with their previous drummer, Chris Wilson in 2005. At age 32, Dean is the oldest member of the band.
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 13. 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.
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. Two months later, he played with Good Charlotte in Manchester, England for the first time and received a large "Deano" chant due to his status as "Hometown Hero" - Dean's hometown of Rochdale, is part of Greater Manchester. At every show in England on the tour, Joel announced that the band was now English as they have an English drummer, which was met enthusiastically by the crowd. The band are recording their fifth studio album called Cardiology, slated for release for mid-2009.
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 alleged 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 3rd album Lies for the Liars after their former drummer, Branden Steineckert, was kicked out of the band.
