Talking Heads Not Reuniting, Says David Byrne

Influential band has a new Instagram account, but that’s it

Talking Heads
Talking Heads in 1978.
Michael Markos/Creative Commons

As the number of beloved bands opting to reunite increases, dedicated music fans have learned to get a sense of what to look for to anticipate their favorite seemingly-defunct band hitting the road again. Generally, a previously-dormant band taking to social media to carve out a presence is one giveaway — though that can also herald a reissue campaign or something that doesn’t involve a proper reunion at all.

Still, when this week included the creation of the Instagram account @talkingheadsofficial, more than a few people wondered if this meant that beloved post-punk band would be getting back together. The account, at present, only follows 6 other Instagram presences, including those for several former members of the band, such as David Byrne and Jerry Harrison.

Unfortunately for Talking Heads fans, Byrne has rather comprehensively shut down the idea that the Instagram account heralds a reunion for the band that first made him famous. (Byrne’s current project, the stage show American Utopia, has been getting rave reviews.) Byrne told Rolling Stone that he was unaware of the account’s creation.

“I have never heard of this, I don’t know what it is or who is doing it, so clearly it can’t be a ‘official’ Talking Heads account,” he said in a statement to the magazine. “Whatever plans others in the band may have is strictly their own business and I wish them well.”

Two other Talking Heads alumni, Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, also expressed sentiments similar to Byrne — namely, they had nothing to do with the account and have no plans to get their old band back together. 

According to a report at Variety, the Instagram account was created to coincide with a series of concerts from former Talking Heads member Jerry Harrison, commemorating the 40th anniversary of Talking Heads’ Remain in Light. Those concerts are set to kick off next year. Not every beloved band is going to reunite, but the music remains there, as memorable as ever.

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