While it appeared for a second that we’d really be heading for a once-in-a-lifetime Talking Heads reunion, it’s more and more obvious that the 4 Heads received’t be making new music or taking part in previous music collectively any time quickly. David Byrne beforehand admitted to People that he acted like “a bit tyrant” earlier than the band’s “ugly” breakup in 1991, and it appears no period of time, acclaim, or cash will ever have the ability to un-burn that home.
To the final level, Live Nation reportedly supplied Byrne and his former bandmates—Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, and Jerry Harrison—a whopping $80 million to headline a measly little six to eight festivals, a sum they finally turned down (per Billboard). This comes after competition curator Paul Tollett reportedly additionally mentioned a Coachella headlining slot with the band—a gig that might have include an as much as $10 million payout—however left empty-handed after he “sensed there have been no reveals occurring.”
So why all this renewed hope for a resurgence of the brand new wave icons? It’s not simply because big fits are again in fashion. (Although they are again in fashion, not less than in response to trend icons Pete Wentz and Patrick Stump on the 2023 VMAs… don’t battle us on this one, please.) The band did stage an unprecedented semi-reunion this previous September in honor of the TIFF world premiere of A24’s 4k restoration of their legendary live performance movie, Stop Making Sense. The vibes on the Q&A, moderated by Spike Lee, have been surprisingly un-frosty—particularly contemplating that this was all 4 members’ first time sharing a stage since they have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
“We’re all united in the truth that we actually love what we did right here. So that type of helps us discuss to 1 one other and get alongside,” Byrne instructed The New York Times the week of the premiere. Still, whereas cordiality is sweet and all, Byrne’s use of previous tense is difficult to overlook. It appears to be like like every actual reunion effort continues to be touring on a highway to nowhere.
The excellent news
Despite all this, Talking Heads followers shouldn’t despair utterly. There’s nonetheless some new(ish) music popping out of A24’s launch, even when it’s not really new and never really sung by the Talking Heads. The studio can be releasing a canopy album referred to as Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense, which is able to characteristic 16 tracks from the live performance’s setlist sung by 16 totally different artists, as revealed at present on Instagram. Those artists embrace Paramore, Lorde, Miley Cyrus, The National, BADBADNOTGOOD, Blondshell, Chicano Batman Feat. Money Mark, DJ Tunez, El Mató a un Policía Motorizado, woman in pink, Jean Dawson, Kevin Abstract, The Linda Lindas, Teezo Touchdown, Toro y Moi, and The Cavemen.
While the total tracklist is but to be introduced, Paramore launched their cowl of “Burning Down The House” at present (full with an compulsory massive suited promo reel), and… it rocks. Unsurprisingly. If that is how the album is kicking off, it would flip into a complete lot greater than a mere comfort prize.
