David Byrne Shines at SNL 50th Anniversary Concert and Early Demo Tape Resurfaces
David Byrne, the iconic frontman of Talking Heads, made a memorable appearance at the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary concert, held at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall on February 14. The event, produced by SNL creator Lorne Michaels and Mark Ronson, featured a star-studded lineup of musicians who have performed on the show over the decades. Byrne teamed up with Swedish pop star Robyn for a surprise performance of her 2010 hit “Dancing On My Own,” followed by a rendition of Talking Heads’ classic “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody).” The duo, dressed in matching dark khaki suits, delivered a captivating performance that delighted the audience, which included numerous SNL alumni and celebrities.
The concert also saw Byrne collaborating with Arcade Fire, St. Vincent, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for a tribute to David Bowie, performing “Heroes” and Arcade Fire’s “Wake Up.” These performances highlighted Byrne’s enduring influence and versatility as an artist, bridging genres and generations.
In related news, an early demo tape of The Artistics, Byrne’s first band with drummer Chris Frantz, has resurfaced after more than 50 years. Recorded in a Providence apartment in the early 1970s, the tape includes an early version of “Psycho Killer,” which later became a Talking Heads hit. The tape, now part of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Archives, offers a glimpse into the band’s formative years and their evolution into one of rock’s most innovative acts. The recording will be released later this year as part of Record Store Day, alongside other Talking Heads demos.
Byrne’s recent performances and the rediscovery of his early work underscore his lasting impact on music and culture, cementing his legacy as a pioneering artist.
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Watch David Byrne join Robyn for 'Dancing On My Own' at 'SNL50' anniversary concert
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After more than 50 years, an early demo of Talking Heads’ hit ‘Psycho Killer’ has surfaced at RISD - The Boston Globe
The tape of The Artistics, the first band of frontman David Byrne and drummer Chris Frantz, was recorded in a Providence apartment and is now in the R
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Where did Talking Heads meet?
The founding members of Talking Heads met at the Rhode Island School of Design, when they each attended at the same time in the early 1970s.
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