Last night marked a historic moment for fans of the Talking Heads as the iconic band made their first late-night TV appearance together in years on Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show. Flashback to 1983, the band had previously appeared on The Late Show With David Letterman and had released their landmark concert film, Stop Making Sense. David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison reunited to chat about the film’s recent re-release in theaters and more. You can catch the full interview below.
Stephen Colbert didn’t hold back his adoration for the band as the interview kicked off. They reminisced about the early hustle of their career—driving to gigs in Frantz’s parents’ station wagon and performing to modest audiences at deserted malls and pizzerias. “At one venue, our opening act was literally a guy eating fire,” Byrne quipped. They even mentioned their gig at a Beefsteak Charlie’s in Yonkers, painting a picture of their humbling beginnings.
Before Talking Heads, Byrne and Frantz were part of a cover band that Weymouth described as playing at a “decibel level that bordered on excruciating.” Harrison recalled his transition from the Modern Lovers to the Talking Heads, while Weymouth opened up about how she became a part of this legendary ensemble. When asked if they were known to party, Frantz offered a concise affirmation: “Oh, absolutely.”
Byrne expressed his discomfort with the label ‘art rock’ and clarified that they never felt they belonged in the punk rock scene, adding another layer to their complex identity.
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The conversation moved on to how they regained the rights to their seminal film Stop Making Sense, and how Harrison was instrumental in shaping the live band seen in the movie. They shared their current impressions of the film and revealed their long-standing relationship with the Ed Sullivan Theater—the venue where the interview was taking place. “Some of our most cherished tracks were recorded and mixed right here,” Frantz acknowledged.
The interview culminated in a high-energy moment when Colbert passionately suggested they reunite for a performance right then and there. The audience roared in approval, but the band chose to abstain. “All right, everyone, take a seat,” Colbert said, admitting that the proposition might’ve been a bit presumptuous.
For more on the Talking Heads, check out Newsound’s latest interview titled “Talking Heads’ Original Lineup on Stop Making Sense, Their Early Days, and the Future,” available in podcast format on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcasting platform, dated September 28.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Talking Heads reunion
When did the Talking Heads last appear on a late-night TV show before this?
The Talking Heads last made a late-night TV appearance together on The Late Show With David Letterman in 1983.
What did Stephen Colbert and the Talking Heads discuss in the interview?
Stephen Colbert and the Talking Heads discussed a variety of topics including the band’s early days, the theatrical re-release of their film Stop Making Sense, and their future prospects.
Who are the members of the Talking Heads who appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert?
The members of Talking Heads who appeared on the show are David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison.
What did David Byrne say about their early gigs?
David Byrne mentioned that their early gigs included modest venues like empty shopping malls and pizza parlors. He humorously noted that one of their opening acts was a fire eater.
How did the band feel about labels like ‘art rock’ and ‘punk rock’?
David Byrne expressed his discomfort with the term ‘art rock’ and said that they never felt like they fit into the punk rock scene.
Did the band discuss regaining rights to their movie Stop Making Sense?
Yes, the band talked about how they regained the rights to their iconic concert film Stop Making Sense and their current views on the film.
Was there any talk of a band reunion during the interview?
Stephen Colbert did bring up the topic of a band reunion and even encouraged them to perform on the spot. The audience was thrilled at the suggestion, but the band chose not to perform.
Where was the interview conducted?
The interview was conducted at the Ed Sullivan Theater, a venue with which the band has a long-standing relationship, having recorded vocals and overdubs for some of their most loved songs there.
Is there additional content available about the Talking Heads’ current thoughts?
Yes, for more in-depth information you can check out Newsound’s recent interview with the band, available in podcast format, dated September 28.
More about Talking Heads reunion
- Watch the Full Interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
- Talking Heads’ Official Website
- Stop Making Sense Film Trailer
- The Late Show With David Letterman’s 1983 Episode Archive
- Newsound’s Latest Podcast Featuring the Talking Heads
- The Modern Lovers’ Discography
- Ed Sullivan Theater History
- Stephen Malkmus Discusses His Favorite Songs
9 comments
Gonna check out that Newsound podcast. If its anything like this interview, its a must-listen for any fan.
Dude, this is epic! Talking Heads back in the limelight? Gotta watch this ASAP!
No reunion, huh? Well, can’t have it all. But that interview is gold.
the band played at painful volume levels? LOL, I wish I’d been there to experience that!
Wish they woulda grabbed those instruments and just rocked the place. Missed opportunity, man.
they were driving to shows in a station wagon?? man, times have changed lol. Real grunge start, hats off!
Can’t believe they’re back together, even if its just for an interview. Stephen Colbert, you legend for making this happen!
Byrne not liking the term ‘art rock’ is so Byrne. Never fit in a box, those guys.
Stop Making Sense is not just a concert film, it’s a masterpiece. Wonder what they think of it now.