Adrian Belew and Jerry Harrison (Photo by Michael Weintrob)
The Talking Heads disbanded in 1991. But the New York new wavers stopped touring in 1984, aside from a brief reunion for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. While all principal members of the band are still alive, any further touring seems unlikely as former frontman David Byrne continues to pursue other endeavors.
But remarkably, Talking Heads keyboardist Jerry Harrison has teamed with guitarist Adrian Belew, a prominent contributor to the band, to tour Remain in Light, the group’s excellent 1980 fourth album, across North America — with a show date at Rams Head Live! in Baltimore on Saturday, March 4.
Jerry and Adrian’s 19-date tour will find Harrison and Belew performing songs from this monumental period of the band’s history alongside a powerhouse band, including former members of Turkuaz, Julie Slick on bass, and Yahuba Garcia-Torres on percussion.
“Remain in Light is a high point in my career,” Jerry said. “Adrian and I had often discussed the magic of the 1980 tour and the sheer joy it brought to audiences. It is such a delight to see that joy once again in the audiences on the current tour.”
“A joyful show of Talking Heads songs you know and love performed by a hot, eleven-piece ensemble including Jerry and me,” Adrian said. “You can’t help but dance and go home with a happy smile on your face.”
Watch the official music video for “Once in a Lifetime” by the Talking Heads on YouTube:
Harrison and Belew first reunited to perform material from Remain in Light at the 2021 Peach Music Festival with Turkuaz. Coming on the heels of the 40th anniversary of the release of Remain in Light, it marked Harrison’s first live performance since 1996. The band then reunited at LA’s The Wiltern last year for a celebrated performance, and due to popular demand, they decided to bring the show on the road. In addition to his role in The Talking Heads, Harrison is known for being an original member of The Modern Lovers with Jonathan Richman. Belew was a key member of the original Remain in Light Tour and also a close collaborator of Frank Zappa, David Bowie, and Nine Inch Nails.
The 2023 Remain in Light tour will include an opening set by Cool Cool Cool, featuring former members of Turkuaz.
Jerry Harrison and Andrew Belew
Remain in Light 2023 US Tour
W/ Cool Cool Cool
Rams Head Live!
Saturday, March 4
Doors @ 7pm
$35
All ages