An Evening With David Byrne - Who is the Sky Tour
Overview
David Byrne wrapped up the first leg of his widely celebrated and acclaimed “Who Is The Sky” tour, celebrating the release of his new album of the same name.
Last month saw the release of the timely new single, “T Shirt.” Co-produced by Byrne’s longtime friend and collaborator Brian Eno, the song is a classic piece of electro-pop wrapped in lightly humorous, but always earnest, political commentary. The track has become a notable moment and quick fan favorite on Byrne’s latest tour.
David Byrne and his band recently brought his live performance energy to the NPR offices for an epic Tiny Desk Concert, with Exclaim! saying, "Everything he does is pure magic." Watch below.
Who Is the Sky?, released via Matador Records, is Byrne’s first album since releasing the acclaimed 2018 American Utopia, which was later adapted into a hit Broadway musical and HBO film. It was produced by the Grammy-winning Kid Harpoon (Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus), while its 12 songs were arranged by the members of New York-based chamber ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra. Guests include Paramore’s Hayley Williams, St. Vincent and The Smile drummer Tom Skinner.
The album was introduced by the infectious first single “Everybody Laughs,” directed by multimedia artist Gabriel Barcia-Colombo. The video set the tone for Who Is the Sky? with its universal themes of human connection and the potential for societal unity against the chaotic backdrop of the world.
“At my age, at least for me, there's a ‘don't give a shit about what people think’ attitude that kicks in,” Byrne says about the spirit behind Who Is the Sky? “I can step outside my comfort zone with the knowledge that I kind of know who I am by now and sort of know what I'm doing. That said, every new set of songs, every song even, is a new adventure. There's always a bit of, ‘how do I work this?’ I've found that not every collaboration works, but often when they do, it's because I'm able to clearly impart what it is I'm trying to do. They hopefully get that, and as a result, we're now joined together heading to the same unknown place.”
David Byrne “Who Is The Sky” Tour:
- "In his oddly understated way, David Byrne is one of the most electrifying musicians of the last 50 years." – Variety
- "David Byrne is the protest punk hero these turbulent times need." – The Philadelphia Inquirer
- "A person would have to possess a heart of stone not to find something deeply resonant or moving from Byrne’s show, which might arguably be one of the most outstanding concert productions in recent memory" – Forbes
- "I didn’t expect to find myself so moved, and moved so often, at Byrne’s first show at Radio City Music Hall. Even when Byrne wasn’t directly addressing what was happening in the world that particular day, the show’s optimism rang out." –A.V. Club
- "A life-affirming show filled with music and theater and a big-hearted love for uncertain times." - Los Angeles Daily News
- "A David Byrne concert is not like most concerts — it is a show, in every sense of the word." – Consequence
- "A joyous celebration of community and connection" – MOJO
- "Byrne reminded the crowd that when push comes to shove, “As people, we love being together.” That was definitely true of the crowd at the Wang on Friday, who, thanks to Byrne’s lovingly staged spectacle, may have actually left the building feeling a little better about the world, and each other" – Boston.com
- "Byrne remains a tireless performer: dancing, singing, playing guitar and leading intricate choreography. Backed by a dynamic ensemble of percussionists, guitarists and vocalists, each equally animated and precise, the show became a communal experience that felt, at moments, almost spiritual." – Denver Westword
- "The playful and uplifting nature was the perfect frame for the 21-song set, which brought up heavy topics in a glass half-full manner." – Chicago Sun Times
- “If there is something good to be found, he will see it and bring it to your attention.” – NPR
- “Who Is The Sky? is a compelling invitation…to join him on what’s looking like a long ride into who knows what, singing and laughing as needed. “ – Rolling Stone
- "The Talking Heads frontman applies his usual puckish wit to matters of love, connection, and other quandaries of existence" – Pitchfork
- "A joyous rejoinder to a creeping sense of gloom." – Paste Magazine
- "A collection of avant-garde pop for fans of his band and beyond. There’s a real joy here." – Associated Press
- “Playful and luminous, grounded in orchestral eccentricity and a pop sentiment that Byrne has long made his own." – VMAN
- "The universalist anthem about the emotions and feelings we all share." – Billboard on “Everybody Laughs”
- "Morbidly joyous" – Vulture
- "It’s subtle, self-critical, and unmistakably Byrne, merging thought-provoking storytelling with warm, artful instrumentation." – Consequence
- "With its kaleidoscopic cover and irresistible tunes, the latest release from the king of avant-garde pop keeps the party going." – The Hollywood Reporter
- "Classic joyful Byrne, featuring the iconic songwriter taking complex ideas about the human condition and making them easily digestible." – FLOOD Magazine
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