There has been renewed speculation recently that the legendary new wave band The Talking Heads could be reuniting and getting back together for the first time in over 30 years. The Talking Heads originally formed in 1975 in New York City and became pillars of the punk and new wave scenes in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The original lineup consisted of singer David Byrne, guitarist/keyboardist Jerry Harrison, bassist Tina Weymouth, and drummer Chris Frantz. Known for their experimental sound and energetic live performances, The Talking Heads are considered one of the most creative and influential bands of their era. However, they broke up in 1991 after releasing 8 studio albums, marking an end to one of music’s most innovative groups. In the years since, fans have continued to long for some kind of Talking Heads reunion, hoping the band members could set aside their differences and collaborate again. Rumblings of a possible Talking Heads comeback have surfaced occasionally over the past three decades, but nothing has come to fruition so far. But recent comments from band members and other developments have once again ignited hopes that The Talking Heads could finally be getting back together.
What are the members saying?
In the past few months, both David Byrne and Chris Frantz have made ambiguous comments alluding to a potential Talking Heads reunion. Byrne, who was the principal songwriter and frontman for the band, has been vehemently opposed to reuniting in the past. However, in a 2021 interview, Byrne stated “I’m trying to be as open as I possibly can be” when asked about reconciling with his former bandmates. He later clarified that he was not confirming any reunion plans, but fans took his uncharacteristically open-minded comments as a positive sign. Drummer Chris Frantz has been the most vocal supporter of a Talking Heads reunion over the years. This past May, he stated “I believe there is more music we could create together and I think it would be wonderful to play Talking Heads songs with David Byrne again.” Frantz elaborated that he felt Byrne’s resistance to reuniting was “weakening” and suggested there had been some communication between band members lately. While Byrne and Frantz’s recent statements are admittedly vague, they do represent a shift from the outright dismissal of reunion prospects in the past. At the very least, it seems the legendary frontman is now open to the idea in theory.
Have there been any concrete steps?
Beyond just their interviews, there are indications that the former Talking Heads members may be taking active steps towards making a reunion happen. In April 2022, it was reported that Byrne, Frantz, and Weymouth had met up privately at Frantz and Weymouth’s home in Connecticut. This was the first time the three core members had gathered in the same room in over 15 years. No details emerged about what was discussed, but the fact they met face-to-face after so long suggests some kind of reconciliation may be in progress. There have also been clues on social media that a reunion could be brewing. David Byrne and Chris Frantz recently began following each other on Instagram, even exchanging likes on each other’s posts. While hardly definitive proof, these social media interactions signify thawing relations between the formerly feuding bandmates. Fans have additionally noticed that Byrne’s longtime collaborator, Brian Eno, has made vague references to a “secret project” on Twitter. Eno produced several iconic Talking Heads albums in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Some believe his mystery project comments could be teasing an impending Talking Heads announcement.
What has sparked reunion speculation?
Rumors of a Talking Heads reunion really kicked into high gear this October when an anonymous source told the music blog Sound Snob that the band was rehearsing for comeback shows. The source claimed the rehearsals were taking place at S.I.R Studios in New York, a facility Talking Heads used frequently in their heyday. While completely unverified, this sparked a flurry of excitement and social media chatter among fans. Circumstantial evidence like band members being spotted in New York and coy social media posts have only added fuel to the fire. The recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination for Talking Heads has also put reunion hopes into overdrive. If inducted, it would provide the perfect opportunity for Byrne, Frantz, Weymouth, and Harrison to reunite at the 2023 ceremony and perform together again. Despite nothing being officially confirmed yet, all these factors have collided to make a Talking Heads reunion feel more plausible than it has in decades.
What are the major obstacles?
However, before getting too excited, it’s important to note there are still major obstacles in the way of an actual Talking Heads comeback. The biggest roadblock remains David Byrne, who has been the lone holdout against reuniting over the years. Byrne has cited wanting to preserve the band’s legacy and not wanting to simply cash-in on nostalgia as reasons for his reticence. He also clashed creatively with other members, particularly bassist Tina Weymouth, leading to long-running animosity. Byrne’s solo career has kept him plenty busy as well. Though his recent comments left the door open a crack, it remains to be seen if he’s truly willing to entertain getting the band back together. Finances could be another big issue. Splitting money four ways and figuring out the economics of a reunion tour could lead to ugly disputes. There’s also the question of whether the magic and chemistry of the original lineup can be recaptured after so long. Hype is building, but until Byrne and the rest openly confirm a reunion, nothing is certain.
What could a reunion look like?
If the Talking Heads did reunite, whether for a tour, album, or one-off event, what might it look like? Most speculation has centered on the possibility of a world tour playing hits like “Psycho Killer”, “Life During Wartime” and “Once in a Lifetime”. This would surely be in high demand, with the band likely able to command massive sums for tickets and sponsorships. There has also been chatter about the Rock Hall induction ceremony performances being a warm-up for a full-scale reunion tour. However, some feel a tour might be unrealistic given Byrne’s hesitancy and age of the members, all now in their 70s. Another option could be doing a one-time concert event, similar to recent high-grossing reunion shows by groups like Swedish pop titans ABBA. If they were able to bury the hatchet, perhaps Talking Heads would consider playing their own mega-hyped reunion show at a venue like Madison Square Garden. But for a band so vital in their prime, some fans hope a reunion would mean new music and not just a nostalgia tour. With their forward-thinking aesthetic, Talking Heads could pick up in 2022 right where they left off. A new album in their signature eclectic style would be a major event even if no tour followed. Regardless of what shape it takes, whether it’s a tour, album, or one-night event, a Talking Heads reunion in any form would undoubtedly be one of the biggest stories in music.
How have band members stayed busy?
In the over 30 years since Talking Heads dissolved, David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, and Jerry Harrison have remained productive with various musical projects. David Byrne has undoubtedly been the most visibly active. He has released over 10 solo albums spanning rock, world music, and other genres. His creative interests extend to filmmaking, photography, social activism, and more. Byrne’s distinctive voice and experimental flair make his solo work recognizable. He continues to tour regularly, including shows highlighting his 2018 album American Utopia. He also collaborated with St. Vincent on the album Love This Giant in 2012.
Drummer Chris Frantz and bassist Tina Weymouth formed the acclaimed dance-rock group Tom Tom Club in 1981 alongside Talking Heads. Tom Tom Club found success with songs like “Genius of Love” and “Wordy Rappinghood” in the ’80s and early ’90s. They have stayed semi-active, releasing a new EP in 2012. Outside of music, Frantz and Weymouth are visual artists and own a home decor store in Fairfield, Connecticut. They have been married since 1977 and have two sons.
Jerry Harrison has produced albums for bands like Violent Femmes, The Black Crowes, and No Doubt. He also co-founded GarageBand.com, an early music sharing site. Harrison has guested on albums by gonzo rockers Ween and funk band Galactic over the years. Though less prolific than Byrne, Harrison has maintained a durable indie music career since Talking Heads.
What is their legacy and influence?
Even if they never reunite, the Talking Heads’ stature as titans of alternative music is firmly cemented. They helped push punk and new wave into more experimental territory and laid groundwork for countless artists that followed. Byrne’s hyper-literate lyrics and jittery stage presence made him an icon. Their knack for restless innovation saw them incorporate funk, psychedelia, pop, and African polyrhythms seamlessly into their sound. Albums like Fear of Music, Remain in Light, and Stop Making Sense are considered masterworks that transcend just “new wave”. Talking Heads were inducted into the Rock Hall in 2002, acknowledging their immense influence. Bands like Radiohead, Vampire Weekend, Tune-Yards, and LCD Soundsystem have all cited Talking Heads as inspirations and spiritual forebears. Their unique merging of brains and groove lives on in much of today’s artful indie rock and pop. Even without a big comeback, Talking Heads’ legacy is secure through the marks they left on music and culture.
Conclusion
Over 35 years since their acrimonious breakup, the prospect of a Talking Heads reunion still generates incredible excitement. Recent activity indicates the former members could be reconciling, prompting hopes that a reunion is finally possible. All the band members have stayed active musically in some capacity over the years. But the chance to see them together again and potentially release new music as Talking Heads would be a truly monumental event. David Byrne’s reluctance remains the biggest obstacle to any official reunion plans. Until he fully commits to revisiting the band, any speculation is merely hypothetical. But if the stars align and the Talking Heads do get back together in their original formation, it would undoubtedly be one of the biggest stories in music. Their ingenious, ahead-of-its-time catalog still sounds as fresh and electrifying today. Whether on tour or with new recordings, a Talking Heads comeback in any capacity would thrill legions of loyal fans hungry to see their idols reunite. For now, followers will keep watching band members’ statements closely for more concrete signs that the Talking Heads could finally be getting back together again soon.