Versatile and distinctive: David Byrne. Photo: dpa
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By Wolf H Goldschmitt
Clever texts are the trademark of his “Talking HeadsIt never made it to the top, but the energetic songs “Once in a Lifetime” and “Road to Nowhere” still get radio play today. The group’s relationship with the Scottish eccentric who died in the USA has found his home. Meanwhile, the head of the art rockers not only earns respect as a musician. David Byrne turns 70 today. And the former icon of post-punk almost still looks like the lanky suit wearer we know from the eighties. Only he no longer fidgets jerkily across the stage, describing himself as a “peculiar, withdrawn young man bordering on Asperger’s syndrome.”
If New York had a voice, it might sound as laconic as David Byrne’s: quite fragile, at times hysterical and yet easy. The gentleman with the meanwhile gray hair remains one throughout his life who cannot really sing – at least not in the traditional sense: he had to leave the school choir because he missed the notes by miles. That has never changed. But, the guy dares something. Who, out of sheer curiosity for evil, calls out, “Hey, Psycho Killer, Qu’est-ce que c’est?” This provocative question becomes the first small chart success of the “Talking Heads”.
The cover of Time Magazine lists his diverse talents: “Rock’s Renaissance Man: Singer, Composer, Lyricist, Guitarist, Film Director, Writer, Actor, Video Artist, Designer, Photographer”. Since splitting from the Heads, the online radio station owner and Luaka Bop record label boss has released 11 solo albums, recorded with Brian Eno, St. Vincent, Arcade Fire and De La Soul. He writes plays and television shows. For his work on Bernardo Bertolucci’s film “The Last Emperor,” the versatile man won an Oscar for best original composition. With Fatboy Slim he composes a crazy operetta about Imelda Marcos, paints, writes books about music, the art of cycling and even designs bicycle stands. He also gets the highest praise in the TV world: He appears as himself in “The Simpsons”.
Like ex-Roxy Music star Brian Eno, his friend and colleague of 40 years, Byrne has led such an eventful life that the guitar-playing frontman’s departure from “Talking Heads” seems only inevitable. In the long run, the muted minimalism of the band restricts him. The celebrant summarizes his view of things on “Everybody’s Coming to My House”: “We are only tourists in this life / Only tourists, but the view is beautiful.” Iggy Pop greets with a wink.
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