Back in 1985 I saw the Talking Heads concert ‘Stop Making Sense’ at a cinema in Newcastle Upon Tyne. I can’t remember who was with me, but I vividly recall the film. It was distinct, difficult to categorise and dominated by an energetic and eccentric David Byrne performance. 1985 is a long time ago, but the trailer below might give you a flavour of its impact on my immature student senses.
Fast forward 40 years to a much higher resolution 2026 and I have found myself again absorbed by an energetic and eye-catching Byrne-led performance on stage. With the “Who Is The Sky tour”, he has once again created something that visually and musically stands apart.
I doubt Byrne concerns himself with thoughts of brand, but he remains a remarkable and ambitious example of brand innovation. At the age of 73 he has created a visual experience that retains familiar attributes (including some songs from the 1985 film) and fulfils high expectations of something new.
David Byrne’s work may not be your ‘cup of tea’ –if so my wife is totally with you– but it is a case-study in commitment to innovating to retain impact and relevance. This 2026 show reflects 50 years of development and an execution that embraces improving technology (and younger talent) to deliver something that is deliberately distinct. It got me questioning my own energy for innovation and I concluded I could do better
That night I was also celebrating my 59th birthday. Reassuringly, I recognised a possibility that my best work could be a decade or more away.
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