David Byrne Still Making Sense!

And this solo tour was pure creative genius!

David Byrne, the former lead of the Talking Heads is selling out shows, and wowing adoring fans with his, "Who is the Sky" tour. David Byrne emerged on the music scene whilst attending the Rhode Island School of Design in the 70s. He is a super creative genius, mastering his artistic talents as a singer songwriter, musician, filmaker and visual artist. Byrne is a Scottish born American and began his life with a Scottish accent before morphing into having an American accent after moving to Ontario, Canada and then the USA. As a 9 year old kid, needing to fit in can be important. And indeed Byrne adopted an American accent in no time. I can vouch for this as although I was born in California, I lived 25 years in the UK rasing two children there. When I moved back to the USA and found myself working in radio, I remember voicing ads and the production manager giving me elocution lessons to change the pronunciation of some words that I naturally used after living much of my adult life in the UK. I then saw it with my children and people here in America asking the question, "what did you say" many times before understanding what they were trying to say. So, to avoid repeating ones self, and to fit in, we adapt, and David Byrne did just that. He did that starting from when his family eventually moved to Maryland.

Before starting High School it was apparent that he was musical as he already knew how to play several instruments. In 1973 Byrne formed a band called the Artistics with fellow RISD student Chris Frantz. The band dissolved in 1974. And then Byrne moved to New York City. That same year Frantz and his girlfriend Tina Weymouth also moved to New York City. They talked about starting a band but couldn't find a bass player so Tina learned how to play. By the beginning of 1975 the Talking Heads started their band, all whilst working day jobs. They played their first gig in June of '75 and were quickly signed by Sire Records. This three piece band consisted of Byrne, Weymouth and Frantz, By November, Jerry Harrison joined the band, and they released eight albums, all receiving commercial success.

The Talking Heads were officially one of the pioneers of the post punk new wave music scene in the late 70s and 80s. They received many awards for their music and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. David Byrne then went on after the Talking Heads to receive an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, a Special Tony Award, and a Golden Globe Award! In 1988 the Talking Heads took an official break and David Byrne started his solo projects. By 1991 the Talking Heads disbanded. Although David Byrne has had an amazing solo career, he may always be best known for his lead in the Talking Heads. The Talking Heads continue to play live with Jerry Harrison, Adrian Belew and a great band, but without David Byrne. They are called, Talking Heads, Remain in Light. Byrne continues touring with his solo act, but not so solo as he has a company of twleve others in the show in a tightly choreographed performance. This team is touring in North America, with dates into 2026 for Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

The sold out show I saw was at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, on November 17, 2025. Being a long time Talking Heads fan and seeing them multiple times in my youth, I simply could not miss this show. I've also seen the Talking Heads 'Remain in Light' with Jerry Harrison, Adrian Belew and band, several times in the past few years and adored them too! If you get the chance...I highly suggest to see these bands!

Regarding covering the David Byrne show this week. The photographers had to shoot from Front of House (which technically is back of house by the sound board). I was (and normally am) the only female on the small photo crew, and standing at the back, behind the floor section of people was a challenge for me for height, until one of the guys pointed out a step I could use to get me above the crowd in front. That helped me tremendously! Then after the first five songs we stored our gear in the office and got to enjoy the show.

Before it began, they played a recorded announcement over the PA with Byrne saying it's ok to get up and dance, but he never mentioned filming or not to film with mobile phones. A few songs in, he walked towards an attendee at the front repremanding him for filming with his phone and threatened to take it away and wiping it clean. That was a first for me! At a King Crimson show a few years ago, they announced before the show that no phone recording will be permitted and to turn off all cell phones for the duration of the show. They also said, at the end they will announce when to pull out your phones as the audience will be permitted to capture the last song of the night. Byrne did not say this in his announcement, so it was a bit shocking when he yelled at the person filming with their phone. I think we were all a tad surprised!

All in all the show was excellent. The huge three panel half circular screen behind the players/dancers added a perspective that was unusual for a concert. At one point he talked about the pandemic. He explained how he was alone those years and shared panoramic photos of his New York apartment where he said he spent much time, whilst performing the song, "My Apartment is My Friend". He played a lot of his solo material during the two hour performance, which I'd not heard all of it before, but thought it was great, as well as some of the big hits from the Talking Heads days. The show ended precisely at ten o'clock. And yes...people were dancing...including me! It was a very happy show for sure. Everyone left the auditorium with big smiles on their faces!

Last but not least..."Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, be kind to each other, apologize easily, have the hard conversations because it makes life better, and never regret anything that made you smile".... Last, but definitley not least...see live music - it keeps our brain firing and it keeps us young!

With peace, love, art and music,

Cheryl ☮ ❤️🎵

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David Byrne Still Making Sense!

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