David Byrne

Gospel trailblazers the Staples Jr Singers: ‘We were singing about all the hardship and hurt’

Nearly 50 years since their only album was recorded, the group are achieving international acclaim thanks to a renewed interest in a music that speaks to something more than just a love of the Lord

Garth Cartwright

11, Nov, 2022 @12:00 PM

‘Better late than never’: how Brian Eno and David Byrne finally laid a musical ghost to rest

When the pair sampled Lebanese singer Dunya Younes for their groundbreaking album My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, they assumed the original recording was cleared. Four decades on they all meet up to find out the real story

Kate Hutchinson

11, Aug, 2022 @3:00 PM

David Byrne on leaving Spotify and turning 70: ‘I think I am more optimistic now’

Talking Heads frontman speaks about his new song with Australian musician Montaigne, the bravery of Taylor Swift and why he feels hopeful for the future

Brodie Lancaster

13, Mar, 2022 @4:30 PM

Various artists: Ocean Child: Songs of Yoko Ono review – tribute to brilliance of rock icon’s music

Death Cab for Cutie, David Byrne and the Flaming Lips are among artists reworking Ono’s strange sound and outsider songs into something more palatable

Rachel Aroesti

18, Feb, 2022 @8:30 AM

Jon Hassell: radical musician who studied with Stockhausen and worked with Eno

The influential experimental US composer ‘celebrated and dignified’ his ‘fourth world’ sources and contributed to albums by Brian Eno and Talking Heads

Alexis Petridis

27, Jun, 2021 @6:51 PM

American Utopia review – David Byrne and Spike Lee burn down the house

This ambitious concert film mixes politics, Talking Heads hits and Lee’s inimitable style to winning effect

Simran Hans

19, Dec, 2020 @3:00 PM

David Byrne: 'Spike Lee and I have a lot in common'

The former Talking Heads frontman on the importance of performance, covering Janelle Monáe, and his hope for the American experiment

Sean O’Hagan

13, Dec, 2020 @9:30 AM

David Byrne's lockdown despair: 'I'd wake up and ask – What am I doing today and why?'

The Talking Heads frontman has taken up drawing to get him through the pandemic – and face down his fears. He talks us through his favourites, from Nature Man to Balanced Life

Tim Jonze

14, Oct, 2020 @3:07 PM

David Byrne's American Utopia review – Spike Lee's thrilling treat for fans

A filmed version of the musician’s hit Broadway show plays like a vibrant greatest hits extravaganza that has the power to convert anyone

Peter Bradshaw

11, Sep, 2020 @7:47 PM

David Byrne apologizes for donning blackface in 1984 video

Talking Heads frontman sorry for ‘a lack of real understanding’ over video from the Stop Making Sense concert film

Adrian Horton

01, Sep, 2020 @5:39 PM

Toronto film festival announces line-up with Mark Wahlberg drama premiering

Halle Berry’s directorial debut also on programme but whether physical screenings will take place remains up in the air

Andrew Pulver

30, Jul, 2020 @2:00 PM

Jon Hassell, music's great globetrotter: 'Be more aware of the rest of the world!'

The 83-year-old is heralded by everyone from Bono to Basquiat for his ‘fourth world’ vision for music – and pop has caught up with him