Seminal New York group Talking Heads have no plans to reform, according to none other than their lead singer David Byrne.
Born in Scotland, Byrne emigrated to the United States when he was a child. The musician travelled to New York to attend art school before becoming entranced with the emerging punk scene. Whilst Talking Heads were never punks per se, they did embody some of its stark energy and a love of repetition.
Talking Heads released several classic albums before their ultimate split in 1991. Teaming up with Brian Eno, the band released the classic ‘Remain In Light’ album in 1980 before taking a short hiatus.
Using their own money the band funded the concert film ‘Stop Making Sense’. An electric set was rather over-shadowed by Byrne’s now iconic novelty suit, but the film remains one of the finest of its type ever released.
Talking Heads split in 1991 with David Byrne going on to enjoy a celebrated solo career including collaborations with The Chemical Brothers and, more recently, Norman Cooks’ Brighton Port Authority.
Since their split Talking Heads have performed together onstage only once – at their 2002 induction into the ‘Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame’. In a recent interview with Metro David Byrne dismissed any talk of a reunion.
“I’m not keen and it’s unlikely to happen,” he said. “I don’t need the money badly enough.”
