DAVID BYRNE RETURNS WITH WHO IS THE SKY?, ACCOMPANIED BY AN INTERNATIONAL TOUR

Photo Credit: Shervin Lainez

David Byrne is back—and then some. The former Talking Heads frontman has just announced his first solo album in seven years, Who Is the Sky?, set for release on September 5 via Matador Records. To roll it out, he’s unleashing an expansive world tour across North America, Europe, and Australasia, kicking off in September 2025 and running well into 2026.

Built around 12 tracks, Who Is the Sky? Features Byrne's signature blend of witty social observation and buoyant rhythms. The lead single, “Everybody Laughs,” comes with an eye‑catching video by Gabriel Barcia‑Colombo. Collaborators include St. Vincent, Paramore’s Hayley Williams, and The Smile drummer Tom Skinner, with lush orchestral arrangements courtesy of the Ghost Train Orchestra.

Byrne himself calls the album an exploration of the full spectrum of life: “Everybody lives, dies, laughs, cries… I tried to sing about … negative things … balanced by uplifting groove and melody.” It sounds like classic Byrne: cerebral yet irresistible.

Touring in support of Who Is the Sky?, Byrne has assembled a 13‑member troupe of musicians, singers, and dancers, many veterans of his celebrated American Utopia run. Expect kinetic performances, sweeping visuals, and plenty of danceable chaos.

The North American leg begins in mid‑September, with stops in Providence, Schenectady, Radio City Music Hall (multiple shows), Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre, and LA’s Dolby Theatre. Following that, Byrne heads Down Under in early 2026 before returning to hit cities like London, Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam.

Between the album, the global dates, and the multi-disciplinary performance troupe, this campaign feels less like a promotion and more like a full-scale artistic reclamation. Byrne isn’t just releasing new music—he’s reintroducing himself to the world as a restless innovator who refuses to stay still.

Why it matters:

• It’s Byrne’s first solo album since American Utopia (2018).

• It features powerful collaborations with today’s top alt icons.

• The tour brings back the genre-blurring showmanship of American Utopia but promises fresh twists.

So mark your calendars: December 2025 and early 2026 is your chance to see David Byrne in full flight—guitar in hand, dancers swirling, audience in tow. It’s not just a tour; it’s a reminder that even after decades, Byrne remains a master of his craft—and that sometimes, starting again is the most thrilling journey of all.