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David Smyth's rating
, David Byrne leaves crowd spilling into the aisles
By
David Smyth
4 Aug 2009
At 57, three decades since his band Talking Heads were at their peak, David Byrne could hardly be busier. From Saturday his art installation, Playing The Building, will turn Camden’s Roundhouse into a giant musical instrument; there is a book, his travelogue Bicycle Diaries, published this week; and he’s back again on a tour that shows him at his musical, theatrical best and refuses to end.
For almost a year Byrne has been travelling the world with this show, which focuses on his work with producer and fellow egghead Brian Eno and takes in three Talking Heads albums and two albums as a duo. The latest, Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, was released last year.
He wowed the South Bank with his white-clad band and unorthodox dancers in April. On his return to London he still merited his three encores, one in a tutu, and left an initially reserved crowd spilling into the aisles.
It’s surprising that more left-field artists don’t appropriate the trappings of the pop star’s arena spectacular for their own ends. Byrne had great fun with three dancers, becoming a white-haired Kylie who allowed them to slide between his legs, leapfrog him and harass his backing singers.
At the same time, his small band fully realised the complex Afrobeat of I Zimbra and swelling gospel of One Fine Day, the singer leading from the front with wiry funk guitar and his soaring croon.
Busy he may be but it would be impossible for
an artist of this calibre to be overexposed.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (4)
What a gig! DB never disappoints, and the opportunity to hear songs from Remain in Light - arguably, Talking Heads' best album - was too good to miss. Am still on a high.
- Susan, London UK, 05/08/2009 11:05
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He must be the coolest 57-yr old on the planet and he proved at his concert that he’s still a pioneer. Though the selection wouldn’t be my favourite David Byrne songs, the whole thing was such a great experience. The music was infectiously movable and the whole thing just made me smile. The atmosphere was electric and at the end Byrne couldn’t stop smiling. It was recorded for DVD and you got the distinct feeling it may have been a landmark concert.
- Gareth James, London UK, 04/08/2009 21:47
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Got a return on Sunday afternoon for Monday nights performance -in the front row only 3 feet away. It was a magical energizing evening and David Byrne professional, musically and emotionally. I don't think there was a single person there who was not truly enjoying themselves
- Gillian Warrior, London UK, 04/08/2009 17:40
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The man is a certified genius. Take a listen to 'This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)' and you'll see what I mean.
- Toby, London, UK., 04/08/2009 11:40
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